Laser Level Showdown! Review of 10 Models

[@reubenklang3968]

That line sitting right through your eye was doing my head in.

[@SkillBuilder]

It is o.k so long as you don't stare into the beam.

[@reubenklang3968]

@@SkillBuilder still doesn’t feel right 😂

[@chiefo7631]

@@SkillBuilder That's debatable

[@stevenfoust3782]

The green laser is more damaging to the eye than the red. Just because the class designation says it’s safe doesn’t make it so.

[@gogogeegee76]

Agree. Too painful to watch.

[@Goenie2005]

This is a test. Not some dude sitting behind a desk talking about it. Thanks a lot!

[@richardballinger517]

I've got Bosch's 360d one and love it. Makes life so much easier. Bosch box has a recess to store you're AA's in.

[@Alex-hp2hy]

Literally thought to myself the over day about a laser level comparison. Cheers lads

[@ryangoodwin7207]

Green laser definitely worth extra money as I’m colour blind and I can’t see the red beam even in the darkest conditions

[@LinuZ87]

Same problem for me. Got the 360 bosch green.

[@near6417]

That kinda sucks man. I feel like you're forced to pay a premium just cause you're color blind.

[@prenticedarlington2720]

You can improve the visibility of a red laser quite considerably by wearing matching red glasses. I once borrowed an old laser level which came with a pair. I now use a Bosch level (not the 360) which requires 4 AAs but lasts a couple of days. My favourite feature is the 'plomb spots'.

[@jonathanrose456]

Bosch GLL 3-80 CG with LR7 receiver. Expensive, but comparable with lasers worth double it’s price! Also has micro adjust on the bracket.

[@davidbrewer7937]

I have been using the Dewalt red beam unit for a while now...love it. Often I snap a chalk line to the laser line to make a more permanent reference line which does not need batteries. I had a green laser unit before until it got smashed but the green does not have any real advantage.

[@DOM_BURN]

Great video Roger and team. I know I've been critical over other videos but credit where credit is due! Brilliant

[@barryward1365]

Great review, very interesting and informative - I loved James's and Ian's input and observations.

[@stanleyplumbnyc1877]

Thank you for your upload, you guy's are amazing for taking the time and money out to make this very informative video as well as all the helpful comments that came from it. All the best to you gentleman 🥂

[@billdoodson4232]

Being on the Milwaukee battery system already it made no sense for me to go for anything else. Waited ages for them to produce one and am I glad I waited. It really is a fantastic piece of kit. It was over £500 without batteries as I already have plenty, but came with a hard box a target and various brackets. Worth every penny and clients who have seen it used have been very impressed.

[@rotormasher]

Does it have different levels of intensity like the top of the range Bosch? I had a Bosch but got stolen so looking at the Milwaukee as it's now on the market... Thanks

[@StonemanRocks]

You can buy adapters now that adapt any battery to any tool and its charger! Game changer!

[@Pithead]

I recently bought a little Bosch PLL 360 for home jobs. It came with a reasonable tripod and a clamp. I must go and remove the batteries!

[@johnmackay7789]

The main reason I bought the Bosch GCL 250C a couple years ago is that it uses the 12v rechargeable power tool batteries and although the line itself is a bit too thick for my liking it goes for a long time and now that I have the 12v flexiclick drill I've got 4 batteries to play with. Works with the LR7 receiver too.

[@shaunhennessy603]

Still using my old dumpy level outdoors.. Can't beat it. Had it 15yrs paid £250 for it and it doesn't need batteries and has a range of 200m plus.

[@SkillBuilder]

great tool for the right job

[@ryanstephens9145]

I think my dumpy manual says plus or minus 1mm over 100 meters . I could be wrong though.

[@jeremyfoster6942]

Used to set out with a cowley level, 😂😂😂

[@DialecticDeveloper]

Excellent useful information "with demonstrations" rather than the usual prattle without enough demonstrations.

[@kubeldzis]

Laser line brightness is determined by the material the light reflects off. Sometime red might appear as bright as green because of the material - for example wood. Wood has a lot of red colour, it reflects red light best, and absorbs any other colours. That is why red line might appear as bright as the green line. So please do not confuse the audience - green in most situations will be brighter. That’s physics.

[@SkillBuilder]

Yes a very good point, well made but we looked at it on a the blockwork as well. If we don't use building materials to read the laser lines on then we are not really testing it in a building environment. Please tell us what most situations are.

[@kubeldzis]

@@SkillBuilder good point there. In addition, blocks of concrete, cement, or similar material in a wall or other structure will help see green light better than red, because its colour is grey - middle of all colors. And because we see green better than red. Green will win in most situations. However in some cases red will be as bright as green.

[@MichaelNash-gj8fz]

Excellent review guys! Exactly what I wanted!👍👍

[@twiglet2214]

This review is interesting on many levels.

[@davidmccormick4319]

Well done.

[@twiglet2214]

@@davidmccormick4319 That's the spirit !

[@TheRealFOSFOR]

In bright lighting condition, try and put some kind of a reflector at the target and position your eyes at the same lever of the laser. I've bought a cheap roll of reflective tape. It's surprisingly effective.

[@SkillBuilder]

Good tip

[@Thebonesoftrees]

Great review, cheers from Vancouver Island BC.

[@davidshearer7442]

Good review. Having used various makes of red lasers over the years I bought a green Stabila (a brand you didn't review) and was very disapointed in the build quality - thin plastic, weak mountings and not what I expected at all from the brand.

[@joshblubaugh6050]

That’s too bad. I only use stabila levels and they are legendary for quality. Would have expected a lot more out of a laser level from them. I’m sure it wasn’t cheap.

[@benelevate]

I’m surprised you guys didn’t mention the plumb dot that some of these have. I have the Bosch and it has a plumb dot and it’s really useful with stuff like stick framing or placement of lights etc.

[@webber977]

Got myself a Tacklife laser 50 quid on eBay , great piece of kit

[@swolytrinity]

Love how he has the strongest aka the Milwaukee at eye level and just keeps hitting his eyes

[@razer192]

Won't do any damage lot more powerful one's in night club shooting in people's eyes

[@Twinfalcon31]

🤣 i was thinking the same

[@joep43]

😂😂

[@gredystar8333]

​@razer192 won't instantly blind you vs won't damage are two very different things. Class 2 laser can absolutely damage your eye, but because they are pulsing, they should trigger your eye blinking reflex limiting exposure. However, any exposure more than .25 seconds directly into your retina is causing damage. This guy has it directly on his eyes for seconds at the time, which 100% can cause damage long term.

[@mrkeefor]

I remember first seeing a laser level on site as an apprentice the size of it was ridiculous (comparison to today's) itwas about 2foot cubed and very delicate the joiners were using it to cast a line around the whole room

[@ericcoffin1696]

Great review and primer, thanks!

[@leehaslam5871]

Never felt so better since I gave up the spirit. Laser great 👍

[@jonrobertpurvis402]

Just stumbled upon this video, some really handy tips as always...gives everyone a bit more insight into what's available for each use and budget 👌

[@charlietymon5082]

I've got the imex can't fault it. What I do regarding the battery is use a USB adaptor for my power tools or use a battery bank for the mobile.

[@Brani1974]

Black beam will be a game changer 🤣🤣 Nice video thank you!

[@TonyGrant.]

Some people have trouble seeing red if they are long sighted. Short sighted people tend to have trouble with blue. Green is in the middle of the visible spectrum so it's easier for those people to see.

[@Izzywizzy-777]

So glad I've found this page

[@insaneseinn]

The Imex looks exactly like Huepar - I Have 603 CG model very impressive it has 3X360 3D with Pulse Mode, Triple Power Supply, Switchable Vertical/Horizontal Lines, Cross Line Laser Self Levelling 12 Lines, Magnetic Pivoting Base+Target+Bag - less than £200 - Thanks for the video and loving the extension series!

[@twiglet2214]

Yes i had one with all those high spec features - it caught fire !

[@PhilippeCJR]

​@@twiglet2214fire? Can you tell more?

[@innocentlucky4538]

​@@twiglet2214 sorry.

[@Nicola---Cambridge]

Great video, so informative.

[@GavinLawrence747]

Now this is an excellent video!

[@Midnight-tornado86]

I did have a Hilti laser but now Iv got the Milwaukee one as I like the fact it runs off same batteries as my pipe cutter Iv got to say it cost me £600 but worth every penny runs for ages and is spot on

[@arthuryan6955]

This video helped me a lot in my choice and I chose the Milwaukee 360 ​​laser. I am very satisfied with my choice, the milwaukee laser has high precision and high quality, which is most important for work.

[@marioesca3976]

Thank you guys!!! This is the best review ever 👍💪✅

[@davefarmery8180]

I've got the Huepar 603 CG-BT and it is great and you can control is using your phone so don't need to disturb the lazer turning it on or off . Great piece of kit for £200

[@m4inline]

Ace. Was looking for laser levels and SkillBuilder pops up in search results. I'm like "watch that one, ignore the rest"

[@lewishayes9228]

Another great video, thanks. I'm surprised not to see the Makita 12v laser though (SK105D) Good little kit, great battery life from the 12v system. I appreciate you can't test every one on the market but as a well known trade brand it would have been good to see your thoughts. Keep up the great work.

[@chrisdixon5977]

I actually just got one of those just a red one but very nice I like how the lines go way past the back of laser.got this to replace a bosh gl2000 wich was also great until it droped in a bucket of water. Makita laser is way better also ip rated great value.I bet it would have scored high in the test

[@chuckb470]

I just ordered a green Makita 12v myself. Disappointed that I can't use my 18v batteries though...

[@1cbrracer]

@Curtis Karlsen you can, if you buy the adapter and USB cable👍 that's what I did, saved buying new battery's and charger.

[@xamphoa]

Great advice on taking the batteries out when not in use. I too have suffered not doing so and wasting hours cleaning corroded terminals. Ughhh.

[@bigpappi357]

Thank you, gents, awesome review, big help!!

[@99cachorro]

The convenience of a laser level in not in dispute but the water tube is always my go to.. I like them for tile layout.

[@derekpalmer7598]

Good video helped me make my mind up which laser to buy . And just as i thought it was the more expensive one .

[@grrinc]

Great video. Cheers guys. I'm choosing Makita purely because I'm already using the battery system. I'm mostly tiling bathrooms so range isn't important.

[@1cbrracer]

The sk105 makita can use 18v battery's, you need to buy an adapter and cable separately but it saves a fortune on AAA battery's.

[@elwood212]

Cheers gents just saved me a lot of time.

[@MikeOxford]

Sending/receiving units have to match(ish) the wavelengths or the detector won't pick them up - likely why so many fell off in the test.

[@jebimasta4604]

I recently stumped up for a mid level bosch universal 360 green laser that has 360 horizontal and 120 vertical. I did try a cheaper kaiweets one but it was a little dodgy and had to be sent back. The only thing I don't like about the bosch is there's no physical lock for tilting it, only a software lock that means it won't flash. If you want to get a 3 degree line you need to tilt it past the point its mechanism operates.

[@mattclarke6773]

Thr Bosch GLL 380 CG, which I think is the next bosch model up, uses their 12v power tool batteries and also has Bluetooth so the number of lines, line intensity and power on and off can all be controlled from your phone. So if its being used for ceiling fixing etc you can leave it where it is and turn it on and off without touching it. Not a budget purchase by any means though 😅

[@rotormasher]

Had that one and it got stolen from my van almost new man I was gutted, about £700 with the receiver and all

[@morokeiboethia6749]

If you buy a line laser level, 3 accessories items that are critical to buy as well is 1) telescoping pole to give your laser level something to move up/down on when you're trying to line your horizontal beam on a height point 2) laser receiver (these help you find your line outside and also help you line up on targets b/c you can set the receiver at a target point and when you hear it beep that means your laser is on the target point 3) high precision manual rotation stage (this is a device thats normally used in the optics industry but you can hook a laser level up to them and it gives you very fine tune spin control to help you line up on targets that are over 10 ft away. I bought one for $50 and I can line up on a target up to 40 ft away very easily using the fine spin mode on the rotation stage.

[@peteturner8493]

Thxs for the review didn't think to remove the battery, just bought a 360 deg green laser from Amazon but came with 3 lithium batteries so no worries there, plus target with mini tripod & carry case for £52 so very much cheaper than the Bosch & more expensive units I was looking to buy.

[@Ultimate-roofing-square.]

I’m sure when Festool release a laser ( for James) it will have red, green and purple and will give you all the measurements needed too. 😬. Nicely informed chaps.

[@sally6457]

Festool are probably working on a Rubik's cube size box that will create a 3d model of any space it is placed in, at 10 times the cost of its nearest competitor, but will only work with other festool tools.

[@m4inline]

Or the Hilti laser that actually burns the lines for you into masonry.

[@marcdimond240]

In Scotland we use tartan beams. This gives us a choice of all colours for varying conditions

[@toddschnopp3262]

Ìiiòoiìiiķu

[@IIISpeeder]

ahahahahahahahahaha!

[@mastercarpenterltd]

The Scots are always one step ahead lol

[@tomprovan50]

great review only review like it that I have seen

[@JayGee6996]

Been waiting patiently for this ❤️

[@rcr76]

Beam waiting 😑🙄

[@JayGee6996]

@@rcr76 boom boom tsh 🥁 😅

[@k6six]

FYI - Zokoun GF011G is on deal of the day for the UK on amazon with an additional 5% discount too. **UNDER £30 Quid**

[@jeffyoung321]

Great video Roger. Definitely helped me decide on one.

[@SkillBuilder]

Great to hear!

[@cannonbruce]

This was an awesomely useful video, thank you. Hated to see those green lasers running across your eyes while shooting though! I recommend eye protection when using these.

[@SkillBuilder]

The laser is fine so long as you don't stare into the beam. If you read the safety notes that is what it says. Think of it like the sun. Don't state dircetly into it.

[@johnoler357]

Jolley good review. Thank you.

[@iangregoryhome]

Excellent and well presented.

[@deanripley2875]

Had the Bosch 360 red line laser for donkies , don’t know how I worked without it now! I was planning to upgrade to green laser but found out like your test that there’s not much point. I assumed you would see the green more due the human eyes sensitivity to green light.

[@SkillBuilder]

I have that Bosch but it has stopped working. I am not sure it is worth repairing

[@histguy101]

I was gonna get the M12. It's very nice, very accurate and durable, but when I saw it was 600 dollars, I bought a cheap Amazon brand for a hundred bucks. It has 4 360° green lasers lines, and turned out to be totally accurate. It came with 2 12v li-on batteries that last about a week if you use it daily. I keep it in a foam case that cost about as much as the laser itself. I know as soon as I drop it, it's probably toast, but I've been using it for a year already.

[@bhwh_h]

Have you got a link?

[@russellscott1151]

I’ve had the makita turret with pole for maybe 12 years now and it’s been excellent and used it a hell of a lot. Outside it’s useless like ost of them. I noticed batteries die if left in so I always remove mine regardless and I’m a tradesman.

[@roysammons2445]

Well that's shed a light on it and I have to level with you... I didn't realise there was so much difference between them ; ) Cheers guys.

[@aarons.talks.]

I really like my Intice Intelligent Laser Level it is very affordable and preforms amazingly

[@RaithUK]

Cheers Roger i have been wondering about Laser levels for some time.. been putting off buying one but now iv seen this il be buying that Milwaukee one as its great and also i already use that platform anyway.

[@jimichip]

You won’t be disappointed, it’s a great bit of kit!

[@einsteindrieu]

Good video !!! 👌👌🛸🛸❤❤

[@John-eq8cu]

It's not just about how far you can go and still pick up a signal, but how accurate it is at that distance. The accuracy of these lasers is presumed by everybody, but actually, their errors are significant at a distance.

[@willbee6785]

And if all else fails. Use a 1 man water level or clear tube water level. It goes round corners & it’s unlikely someone will nick it. It is probably a lot cheaper. Just as accurate on the level stuff; but no cross lines.

[@arthurarellano7448]

I put red food coloring when I'm using it, it gives great visibility when the tube gets a little dusty or stained from hard water

[@willbee6785]

@@arthurarellano7448 Yes, 100%. I did this 40 years years ago whilst working in low & high light areas. It’s great to see you’ve “been there” I just remembered, you could get illuminous dye with a new set around early 1980’s.

[@kevg3320]

Great review. Thanks

[@Handymaninfluencerzdn]

Good review man! from phillipines.

[@ped0000]

Another vote for huepar 603. Very reasonably priced and comes with alot of mounts and brackets. Runs on removable rechargeable battery pack so you can buy a second. But it also comes with the ability to use aa batteries and you can plug it in and run it off the mains power.

[@almccallie4314]

Peered, do you think the Huepar is visible outdoors in daylight? I am leaning toward getting one but wonder about outdoor use. Thank you

[@trevorgordon3421]

Great reviews, thanks

[@mastercarpenterltd]

Thats a really good review 👍

[@6teeth318-w5k]

Why not having a beam that changes color quick? So you get the best of both colors?

[@IIISpeeder]

a very challenging plus for these instruments.. Maybe we would wait for three colors lasers and calibrates by each channel. But the chromatic aberration maybe give a minus.

[@brendonburgin5250]

With the rechargeable couldn't you have a battery bank and have it plugged in to perhaps last the day?

[@ch5139]

If you switch your mobile phone camera to selfie mode, point the camera at the laser level, it will flare on screen as the line passes over the camera lens. Centre of the lens is the height of the laser line. This has worked for me, a diy’er, with my Dewalt level in bright sunlight. Most modern phones have screens you can see in direct sun, although my phone is 7 years old and worked a treat.. A bit of tape on the edge of the phone can be used to mark the centre of the lens. Apologies if this has been mentioned before in the comments, might be worth checking the accuracy of this method. Happy levelling!

[@SkillBuilder]

We will try that out and report back.

[@rbutter9200]

Cool idea. My understanding is lasers will kill pixels on your camera sensor? I need to read up on it...

[@Chan-rc2hw]

amazing review and comparison. well planed and extensive.

[@whoshatwat]

What was amazing? Did you watch the same uninformative review as me. All the clown went on about was red and green and red and green…Which one is the easiest to set up? Don’t talk rubbish.

[@Chan-rc2hw]

@@whoshatwat lol

[@Chan-rc2hw]

cant remember i might have been sarcastic... or maybe not ?

[@danhickling3565]

Would have been good to compare the Milwaukee to DeWalt 3 plane equivalent. But more often than not I think it comes down to what batteries you already have.

[@gordonLP]

Roger could you put a link to the target gadget that you were using outside. Cheers, Gordon

[@oompje]

Nice info. I'm a simple DIYer and I have a little Bosch model PLL360 with horizontal 360 and front vertical beam. The 360 on it does NOT have any blind spots. Don't know how they do it, but there are no blind spots where the turret supports are.

[@emayteetee73]

Do you recommend it?

[@oompje]

@@emayteetee73 Yes, I think it is a good choice. The beam can even be locked at an angle for placing handrails or something other that you want to attach to the wall at an angle. They do have a newer model that has about the same specs and possibilities. You can buy it with different options, like with or without a tripod or carrying bag...

[@emayteetee73]

Cheers. Getting close to buying one as I can see it being used for a few different jobs on my house renovation. 👍

[@thebeast166]

It also helps to be able to see the laser if you don't let it picture eyeball throughout the beginning of the video

[@beschken]

very good point. green is better, of course. but inside you can see red pretty well, and outside you will need a detector in any case. so .. :)

[@SteadyShadow]

thanks for this videos. great stuff here

[@SkillBuilder]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@StonemanRocks]

I like my bosch made for doing floors! It shoots the beams 90deg. Onto the floor and also has a 45deg beam if you want it! Self leveling pendulum ! I use that and my other self leveling laser on the walls that shoots the beam straight ahead!

[@Ivan.Atanasov.]

Used dewalt for the last 15 years. Unbeatable quality for money

[@vonbyorn9098]

(Helpful info unless colorblind) The reason for the green beam is because the average human eye can detect more shades of green than any other color (like the reason most night vision gear uses green) so green makes it easier to see in brighter conditions where the laser is harder to see.

[@benrichards1]

Fancied the milwaukee, as I'm on that platform, not at 500 quid though!.

[@Synic08]

I’d love to see what you think of the Kapro brand compared to those...

[@engdarfatgalalyelectrical1076]

Thanks for your useful information

[@dogstar5572]

Great review. I’m about to buy one.

[@fishbiscuit2000]

It would have been better to test the Milwaukee against the Bosch GLL 380G. The Bosch GLL is the direct competitor to the Milwaukee you tested.

[@waynehendry9782]

Ive given up on rechargeable AA as 1.2v starting which is poor for high power using devices. I've been looking at lithium ion AA although 3.7v ish you can use AA packing only cells to keep the correct total voltage. So you get the full voltage vs recharge metal hydride.

[@adrianwilding2912]

For DIY you'll have to go a long way to beat the economically priced Stanley Cubix which is perfectly adequate for inside work. It's nice and compact too. Not so good outdoors unless you want to set out in the dark!

[@solarsynapse]

Stanley is yellow and Craftsman is red. Same tool.

[@solarsynapse]

I bought the green Craftsman at Lowe's this week. So far so good.

[@manisfivebh]

Fantastic channel.

[@SkillBuilder]

Thank you very much!

[@ChristianFrench1]

I’ve got the Bosch GLL 3-80P which is a 360 degree one which is probably a better comparison than the Bosch window one you had there. The adjustable bracket is a good idea and it looks like Bosch do one but it’s £60.

[@markhunter9534]

Great bit of work guys but are you aware that many line lasers with pulse /outdoor mode that they operate on different wavelengths? I have been in the laser business for 36years, my laser businesses operate in Australia, New Zealand and now the UK. I am happy to provide some trusted input. Cheers.

[@SkillBuilder]

Hi Mark we would love to hook up with you for some expert input. We are builders and we are not that clued up on the technology as we might be. roger@skill-builder.u.k

[@JeanPaulB]

Green lasers are more powerful, hence much more visible. The red ones are not too visible in outside conditions or a bright room, in my experience. This is enlightening, though, thx for the breakdown!