A laser tape measure can be a handy tool for any homeowner, contractor, or real estate professional.
We love our trusty analog tape measures, but a laser tape measure is easier to use, helps you save time, and it records your measurements for you, so youll spend less time taking measurements or writing down your figures.
It can be difficult to find the right laser tape measure for you, given all of the options. Today, well take a look at five of the best options on the market, and give you some info on what to look for when looking for the best laser tape measure.
Top Five Laser Tape Measures
These laser tape measures are some of the most well-made and popular options available. Lets take a closer look to see which of these is the best option for your needs.
Tacklife HD40
The HD40 from Tacklife is one of the most affordable laser levels on the market. It is packed with high-end features, which are not available on models costing twice as much or more.
This laser tape measure measures up to 39.9 m and is accurate to within 1/41 cm. This laser tape measure features both horizontal and vertical bubble levels, which will allow you to take precise measurements.
The HD40 can be used to calculate volume and area in addition to distance measurements. Despite all the extra modes, the HD40 is still extremely easy to use due to its large backlit display and easy-to-understand controls.
You can switch between meters, inches and feet within each mode by pressing a button.
Additional intuitive features include a 30-measure memory bank, an auto-shutoff mode, detachable wrist strap and a carry case to protect your tool when not in use. You will be protected if something goes wrong with the HD40.
What Could Be Better
- Difficult or impossible to use outdoors
- Some people have complained about calibration issues
Bosch GLM35
The Bosch GLM35 is preferred by many contractors and real estate professionals because of its accuracy and reliability.
The tool can measure distance, area and volume to within 1/41 cm. The tool can also take real-time measurements, which are automatically corrected as the tool moves closer or farther away.
Measuring is as simple as selecting the mode you want and pressing a single button to begin taking measurements. This tool is easy to use, regardless of whether you are measuring distance, area or volume.
Toggling between modes, or units of measure is as easy as pushing a single button, and the large backlit display is easy to read.
This tool is not as dust- and moisture-resistant as other models but they offer a 2-year warranty in case of any problems with the tape measure.
This model does not have an onboard memory. This means that you will not be able record any measurements in the tool. For this reason, this model is probably not a viable option for contractors or those in real estate.
Leica DISTO E7100i
One of the most trusted names when it comes to laser measurement devices is the Leica DISTO E7100i. It is among the most well used and relied upon devices on the planet. This tool is ideal for professionals and serious craftpeople.
The model has a range of up to 61.0m and 1/41 cm accuracy. In addition to basic measurements, this tool also calculates area and volume.
Some laser measuring devices can measure as accurately as 1/41 cm. However, others are less accurate on the jobsite. The E7100i has been ISO-certified so that you can be sure it is accurate to 1/41 cm. It is also IP54-certified for splash and dust resistance.
Where this tool truly shines is its Bluetooth 4.0 compatibility and the DISTO Sketch app thats available for iOS and Android devices.
The app automatically records measurements. The app also provides handy additional tools like the ability to create basic floor plans, create sketches, or document measurements on pictures you upload into the app.
2 AAA batteries are also included. These batteries can measure up to 5,000 times before they need replacing. It also comes with a handy belt clip for keeping your new tool at the ready during your job.
The E7100i is also backed by a comprehensive three-year warranty that protects you in the event something goes wrong.
What We Like
- Accuracy to 1/41 cm
- Bluetooth compatible with an easy-to-use app
- IP54 certified
- Impressive warranty
DeWalt DW03050
The DW03050 from DeWalt is a high quality laser tape measure thats favored by many professionals.
The DW03050 can measure distances up to 1/41 cm from a distance of 50.3 m. It also calculates Pythagoras if point-A or point-B is not accessible for linear measurement.
This model is overbuilt, and IP65 certified for impressive dust and splash resistance. This makes it one of the more durable tools on the market. It also includes a five measurement memory, so youll be able to quickly reference the last five measurements taken with the tool.
The measuring device comes with 2 AAA batteries and a protective pouch that can be attached on your tool belt or belt. This will ensure you always have the right tool at hand. DeWalt stands by this product with an impressive three-year warranty.
What could be better?
- Very small memory
SKIL ME981901
If you are looking for a low-cost, high-quality laser tape measure that is affordable, this SKIL laser tape measure is a good option.
This tool measures distances up to 30.5 m and can take regular distance measurements, real-time measurements, or area measurements in no time at all. Theres also an indirect measurement feature that allows you to take accurate measurements even if there are obstacles like furniture in the room.
Unlike most laser tape measures which run on AAA batteries, this tool has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. An included charging cable is also available.
An integrated level helps you ensure youre taking the most accurate measurements possible, and audible tones let you know when youve reached 0, 45, or 90 degrees. You can store your measurements onboard for easy reference later.
When it comes to ease of use, this model is virtually impossible to beat. You can toggle between modes with a single button, and the large backlit LCD display makes reading your measurements easy in any light condition.
The package includes the laser measuring device, charging cable and a carry bag with a belt loop. You are covered by an industry-leading five year warranty if anything goes wrong with your tool.
What Could Be Better
- Only 254 cm is acceptable
Laser Tape Measure Buying Guide
Whether you opt for one of the models weve covered about, or youre planning on choosing a different tool altogether, theres a few important features and characteristics youll want to look out for to ensure youre selecting the best tool for your needs.
Range
The measurement area that the tape measure can measure accurately is called its range. A range of 30.5 m for the average DIYer is sufficient to complete projects around the house.
If you are a contractor, or if you work in real-estate, there might be situations where a wider range of options would be helpful. In that case, you may want to look for a tool that provides a range of around 61.0 m.
Accuracy
The most important factor to consider when evaluating different laser tape measures is how accurate they are. Cheaper models are usually accurate to within whereas higher-end models are accurate to 1/41 cm or less.
Remember that accuracy can also be affected by environmental factors. Cheaper meters will provide a less accurate reading in extremely hot, cold, or humid environments.
Because accuracy is likely a major concern, it is important to choose a laser measurement that is built to work in all weather conditions and accurate to within 1/41 cm.
Additional Measurements
All laser tape measures can measure distances along a straight line. Depending on your work, you may need more precise measurements.
Some models also have extra functionality that can measure volume, area, circumference, etc.
While most people can make do with only basic functionality. These additional modes may come in handy, especially for contractors.
Ease Of Use
Ease of use is another key concern, particularly for more advanced models that provide additional functionality.
With additional measurement modes come additional buttons, bells, and whistles. Simple models without many additional modes are usually very easy to use. However, more complex models may feel as if you need a college degree in knowing how to operate one.
The more complex models are great at making it easy to use regardless of how many functions they may offer. If ease of use is a concern for you, it may be a good idea to head to a store where you can try out a few different models before deciding on which to use.
Display
The display on the tool ties directly into how easy its going to be to use. The large, well-lit display on the tool will allow you to easily read the measurements and indicate which mode it is in.
Most models, even on the lower end of the price spectrum feature large and easy to read displays. You may prefer a different layout on one model than the other.
Build Quality
Another area to take a closer look at is the build quality of the tool. How well built the tool is will have a direct effect on how accurate it is, especially as the tool gets older.
Laser tape measures show how dust- and debris-resistant the unit is.
The tools are graded from one to seven on a scale of dust and debris resistance. The higher the number, it is more dust-resistant. Water resistance is graded on a scale of one to nine, with one being the lowest score possible and nine being completely waterproof.
These factors can have a significant impact on the performance of your tool. It is important to choose a tape measure with a good seal against dust and water.
Memory
The memory on all laser tape measures is small enough to store your measurements. Additional memory comes in handy for contractors or real estate professionals who need to take multiple measurements at a time.
If you are using your laser measure at home to do small projects, adding memory will not be an issue.
Bluetooth Compatibility
Today, many of the newest and most impressive laser tape measures are compatible with Bluetooth, which is probably a handier addition than you may think at first.
Bluetooth compatible tools have dedicated smartphone apps that automatically send info from your tool to the app. You don’t have to measure by hand. This reduces the amount of memory that the tool requires to save your measurements.
FAQ
Q: How Do Laser Tape Measures Work?
Laser tape measures make it possible to take measurements that you wouldn’t be able to do with a standard tape measuring device. It is easy to use one by pulling the trigger and reading the provided measurement.
Depending on which tool you have, the laser tape measure might offer additional functionality. This allows you to measure volume, square footage or spatial reasoning quickly and accurately.
Q: How Accurate is a Laser Tape Measure?
Most laser tape measures can be accurate within a few millimeters, depending on the model. Higher end models are even more accurate and provide measurements that are even more closely toleranced.
Q: Do Laser Tape Measures Work Outside?
Yes. And, as you might imagine, high-end models are more accurate when measuring outdoors. Keep in mind that the conditions outside can affect the accuracy of your measurement, so its best to measure outside only in ideal conditions.
Q. What Types of Features Do You Need?
Laser tape measures are unique in the sense that the tool is used for different jobs depending on whos using the tool.
They are often used by DIY enthusiasts and homeowners for basic measurements.
Meanwhile, contractors and the real estate industry use these tools for more complex projects. They may benefit from features such as additional measurement modes, large onboard memory storage, or Bluetooth compatibility.
The Final Word
While each of the laser measurement devices weve covered provides plenty of impressive features and reliable accuracy, one model rises to the top as the best laser tape measure, and thats the Leica DISTO E7100i.
The E7100i offers the best range, performance, and accuracy. Bluetooth 4.0 compatibility is a great addition to this tool. The Leica iOS and Android apps are comprehensive and useful, and theres also a range of other apps that are compatible with the E7100i, such as Google Sketchup.
Although this model is more expensive than most, it is still a great choice for laser tape measures.
If youre looking for similar quality and youre willing to sacrifice some of Leicas bells and whistles in favor of a lower price point, wed recommend going with the Skil ME981901, or, if you need a range of greater than 30.5 m, the Tacklife HD40 would also make a fine choice.
It is possible to choose a model not on the list. In that case, you should use our buying guide to help you identify the most important features so that you can select the right laser tape measure for you.
