Best Laser Distance Measures 2025: Quick, Convenient Measuring

Finding the best laser distance measure is like trying to identify the best work boots—one size most definitely doesn’t fit all. Since I got my first laser distance measure more than a decade ago, they’ve become more commonplace…. and complex. They now come with new features, calculations, and even smart connectivity. Not everyone needs all those bells and whistles, though. I’ll share our top picks for a variety of use scenarios and show you what to look for when you’re shopping.

Best Laser Distance Measures

• Best Overall: Bosch 165-foot GLM165-27CGL
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• Best Easy-to-Use: Klein 100-foot 93LDM100C
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• Most Accurate: Fluke 300-foot 424D
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• Best for Outdoor Use: Leica Geosystems 820-foot Disto X6
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• Best DIY: Skil 100-foot ME9821-00
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• Best Tape Measure with Laser: Mileseey 130-foot DT20
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Also In This Article

• What’s in a Name? Laser Measures Are Known By Several
• More Recommendations to Consider
• What to Look for When You’re Shopping
• Why Trust Pro Tool Reviews

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• Tape Measure Markings: What Are They For?
• How to Read Tape Measure Markings – Tips and Photos

Defining Terms

Before we jump in, let’s deal with a little bit of vocabulary. Technically, we’re talking about the best laser distance measures in this article. That’s the official name of this class of tool. However, some people call them laser distance measurers or just laser measurers. It’s a small difference, but still correct.

Then there are laser tape measures. Many people think of these devices as electronic replacements for tape measures, and even though they don’t have a measuring tape on them, the name sticks. Today, there are true tape measures with a laser measure attached to them. In this article, however, we’re primarily talking about lasers for measuring distance as opposed to those hybrid tools. That said, we’ve still got a recommendation for a hybrid laser tape measure for you.

Enough of the vocabulary lesson—let’s talk tools!

Best Laser Distance Measure Overall

Highlighted Features

• Green Laser Beam: Easier to see than red lasers
• Bluetooth Connectivity: Wirelessly transmit data to the Bosch MeasureOn app
• Built-in Inclinometer: Displays the tilt angle and assists in easier indirect measurements
• Reverse Contrast Color Screen: Easier to read, even in direct sunlight
• Haptic Feedback: Vibration confirms measurement recording
• IP65 Ingress Rating: Easily survives inclement weather
• Rechargeable Battery Pack: No need to keep spare AA or AAA batteries on hand

In selecting the best laser distance measure overall, I weighed a lot of factors. The best is the one that’s useful for the largest group of people, and for this tool class, it’s easy to go overboard and overbuy. I was looking for excellent range, accuracy, tech, and size, but without having to spend a week’s pay to get it. While there are applications that need high-end models, the majority of us don’t.

Enter the Bosch GLM165-27CGL—a laser distance measure that has a relatively short learning curve yet has enough bonus tech for folks who need advanced features. It has excellent range and accuracy with a high-viz green beam that’s easier to see at longer distances and outdoor lighting conditions. The reverse contrast color screen is easier to read, and Bluetooth connectivity lets you wirelessly transfer measurements to your phone or tablet. It’s even IP65 rated to survive in tough jobsite settings.

Best Easy-To-Use Laser Distance Measure

Highlighted Features

• Compact Size: Easily fits in a pocket or tool box
• Reverse Contrast Screen: Easier to read, even in direct sunlight
• Audio Indicator: Short beep confirms you’ve taken a measurement
• IP54 Ingress Rating: Survives inclement weather

When I think about the best easy-to-use laser distance measure, I think back to my very first model—the Bosch GLM15. With just one button, the functions were easy to learn and simple to operate. That model is no longer available, but the 93LDM100C from Klein is a fine replacement.

Its one-button operation is just as easy, yet it still has multiple functions, including the ability to offer continuous measurements and switch between metric and Imperial units. Plus, the reverse-contrast backlit LCD screen is easier to read than my old unit—something my old eyes appreciate. Perhaps what’s most impressive is that Klein offers maintains excellent accuracy despite the somewhat basic design.

Most Accurate Laser Distance Measure

Highlighted Features

• Precise Measurements: ±1 mm accuracy beats most other models
• Built-in Inclinometer: Senses angles up to 180° for height tracking on indirect measurements
• Compass Heading: Improves measurement alignment
• Corner Measuring: Leg folds out and meter automatically adjusts to accurately measure from corners
• Audible Keypad Feedback: Short beep confirms button presses
• IP54 Ingress Rating: Survives inclement weather

If accuracy is your biggest priority, Fluke’s 424D is the laser distance measure to buy. Its ±1 mm accuracy rating translates to roughly 1/32-inch, which is even better than our precision Pro recommendations. That might not mean much when you’re measuring the length of a bedroom wall for an estimate, but if you’re measuring longer distances and need to minimize the error as the distance grows, it’s helpful.

Fluke isn’t alone at this accuracy level, though. Hilti’s PD-E and Leica’s Disto X6 match it while including some compelling bonus features and much longer ranges. However, those models are more expensive. With Fluke’s price tag settling in at significantly less, it’s the way to go if its range and features meet your needs.

Best Laser Distance Measure for Outdoor Use

Highlighted Features

• Precise Measurements: ±1 mm accuracy beats most other models
• Bluetooth Connectivity: Wirelessly transmit data to the DISTO Plan app
• P2P Measuring: Pair with the DST 360-X adapter for P2P measuring
• Built-in Viewfinder: Camera with 4x zoom helps you more easily hit your target on long-distance measurements
• Built-in Inclinometer: Displays the tilt angle and assists in easier indirect measurements
• Gesture Trigger: Take measurements by waving your hand in front of the laser
• DIST Key: Side button for taking measurements is easy to find without looking down
• Corner Measuring: Leg folds out and meter automatically adjusts to accurately measure from corners
• IP65 Ingress Rating: Easily survives inclement weather
• USB-C Connection: Charge the battery and transfer measurements

Most laser distance meters have roughly 1/8-inch accuracy at 30 feet. Our favorite Pro models kick it up to 1/16-inch. For many applications, that works just fine. However, Leica’s Disto X6 shares the stage with Hilti’s PD-E and Fluke’s 424D as the most accurate laser distance measures we’ve found, with measurements at ±1mm.

What sets Leica apart as the best laser distance measure for outdoor use is its range. Exceeding Hilti by more than 150 feet and matching features like the camera viewfinder and inclinometer, it’s dialed in for those long-range measurements. Plus, it adds Bluetooth data transfer and an innovative hand gesture trigger that Hilti doesn’t.

Pro Tip: Lighting conditions and the material you’re bouncing the laser off affect the accuracy of every laser distance measure.

Best Laser Distance Measure for DIY and Home Use

Highlighted Features

• Measuring Wheel: Allows for measuring lumber, curved materials, and other objects that aren’t laser-friendly
• Reverse Contrast Screen: Easier to read, even in direct sunlight

Often, people think the best laser distance measure for DIY and home use is the cheapest one they can find, but I think you should aim a little higher. Skil’s 65-foot model includes the addition of a measuring wheel, making it a better replacement for tape measures than most other options.

It’s the measuring wheel that makes it so versatile. When you don’t have a target to bounce the laser off (think curved objects, lumber, etc.), you can run the wheel across the surface to get the measurement. It even subtracts when you pull it back. Working with either the laser or the wheel, it integrates the measurements with the automatic calculations.

The only real trade-off is slightly lower ±1/8 accuracy. That’s going to be fine for most projects, though, and the 65-foot max range covers most interior applications.

Best Tape Measure with a Laser Distance Measurer

Highlighted Features

• Multi-function Digital Display: Shows tape or laser measurements
• Versatile Calculations: Collect measurements with the tape or laser

Adding a laser measure to a tape measure may sound like a great idea. However, even the best tape measure is still a consumable item on jobsites. DIYers can get much longer use from their tapes, and that’s the target user for most of these hybrid tape measures/laser measures. Even so, the majority of the major brands currently don’t offer this kind of product, so we have to travel off the beaten path a bit.

Of the options I rooted through, Mileseey’s DT20 is the one I’d pull the trigger on. It has a 16-foot combination imperial/metric blade plus a 130-foot laser measure with 1/8-inch accuracy. Though it’s more expensive than some of the other models you might consider, it includes several automatic calculations, is rechargeable, and maintains a reasonably compact physical form.

More Laser Distance Measure Recommendations to Consider

DeWalt Laser Distance Measure

Highlighted Features

• 2-Button Control: Easy to learn and great for people who want a basic interface
• Automatic Calculations: Calculates the most common formulas
• Compact Size: Easily fits in a pocket or tool box

While a little pricey compared to other Pro-grade LDMs with similar characteristics, DeWalt’s 100-foot model is a solid choice for residential contractors who don’t want an overly complicated device.

Hilti Laser Distance Measure

Highlighted Features

• Precise Measurements: ±1 mm accuracy beats most other models
• IP65 Ingress Rating: Easily survives inclement weather
• Purpose-built Outdoor Display: Ensures the sun won’t wash out your ability to read measurements
• Built-in Viewfinder: More easily hit your target on long-distance measurements
• Built-in Inclinometer: Displays the tilt angle up to 360°

While this is an expensive laser measurer, it’s specifically designed for outdoor applications with a 656-foot range, outstanding accuracy, a built-in viewfinder, and sun-friendly display. Plus, its IP65 ingress rating and overmold protection make it a great fit for the toughest jobsites.

It’s the most expensive model to make our list, with a price tag just over $1000. However, if you need the range and functions it offers, the PD-E can be a huge timesaver and pay for itself quickly on large construction projects. It’s just not something most residential contractors are likely to need.

Johnson Level Laser Distance Measure

Highlighted Features

• Bluetooth Connectivity: Wirelessly transmit data to the Johnson Measure-Up app
• Built-in Inclinometer: Displays the tilt angle and assists in easier indirect measurements
• Corner Measuring: Leg folds out and meter automatically adjusts to accurately measure from corners
• Automatic Calculations: Calculates a full suite of formulas
• IP54 Ingress Rating: Survives inclement weather

Johnson’s LDM300 is a solid, well-rounded Pro-grade option. While more expensive than some, its range, accuracy, and feature set justify the higher price tag. Prices vary widely on this model, so shop around to get the best deal.

Stabila Laser Distance Measure

Highlighted Features

• Bluetooth Connectivity: Wirelessly transmit data to the Stabila Measures II app
• Built-in Viewfinder: Camera with 4x zoom helps you more easily hit your target on long-distance measurements
• Built-in Inclinometer: Displays the tilt angle and assists in easier indirect measurements
• Automatic Calculations: Calculates a full suite of formulas
• IP54 Ingress Rating: Survives inclement weather

Stabila’s LD 520 is a premium laser distance measure capable of highly accurate indoor and outdoor measurements with a host of helpful features. While expensive, it’s hundreds of dollars less than Hilti’s PD-E, making it an excellent alternative that only sacrifices a little accuracy.

Ryobi Laser Distance Measure

Highlighted Features

• Simple Operation: Only one button to take measurements and change settings
• Reverse Contrast Screen: Easier to read, even in direct sunlight
• Compact Size: Easily fits in a pocket or tool box

Ryobi’s only current laser distance measure is a compelling option for DIYers. Its simple one-button operation is easy to learn, and it’s agreeably accurate for the majority of measuring tasks you’ll come across on your home improvement projects.

What to Look for When You’re Shopping for a Laser Distance Measure

Range

Range is the number one factor to consider in a laser distance measure. If you don’t have the range to measure the full distance, you can still piece it together using a target card, but it’s a pain.

Here’s the minimum range we recommend for a variety of applications:

• DIY: 50 ft
• Residential Construction: 100 ft
• Commercial Construction: 150 ft
• Outdoor Use: 300 ft

Accuracy

Accuracy is right behind range as a critical characteristic to consider. The type of job you’re doing and what you’re measuring will determine how accurate your laser distance measure needs to be.

Accuracy is typically rated at 30 feet. That multiplies as you measure longer distances. For example, if your model has ±1/8-inch accuracy at 33 feet, it would be ±1/2-inch at 132 feet since it’s four times the distance.

Keep in mind that the as you go from single to multiple measurements for calculations, the level of inaccuracy is compounded.

• DIY: ±1/4-inch
• Pro: ±1/8-inch
• Precision Pro: ±1/16-inch
• Best Possible: ±1mm (1/32-inch)

Automatic Calculations

All but the most basic laser distance measures include at least some automatic calculations. If you’re not interested in doing the math, they can be quite helpful. More advanced models that use an inclinometer to calculate indirect measurements can legitimately speed up your workflow.

• Area
• Volume
• Indirect Measurement (Pythagorean calculation)
• Indirect Measurement (Inclinometer/trigonometric calculation)
• Addition and Subtraction to Measurements

Measurement Storage

Measurement storage can be helpful if you’re going to take a series of measurements and record them later. However, with the latest Bluetooth models (see below), it’s becoming a less critical feature. You have to know what order you took each measurement in, and many people simply jot down each measurement as they go in a notebook or layout drawing.

Bluetooth Connectivity

If you’re tech-savvy, laser distance measures with Bluetooth connectivity offer the ability to automatically transfer measurements to an app on your phone or tablet. By bringing a screen into the mix, you work directly on a blueprint or picture of the building, making report generation an easier task.

Power Source

Most laser distance measures run on AAA or AA alkaline batteries, or a rechargeable lithium battery. I prefer having a rechargeable battery, so I don’t have to worry about keeping spare alkalines on hand.

However, if you don’t use your laser measure too often, models that use alkaline batteries are less expensive, and there’s no concern about the last time you charged it. I recommend removing the batteries between uses to avoid corrosion fouling up the battery compartment.

If you want the best of both worlds, Bosch has several models that use either their rechargeable battery pack or AA batteries.

Whichever way you go, many models are capable of taking at least a couple of thousand measurements on one set of batteries or one charge.

Additional Features to Consider

• Reverse-Contrast Screen: Easier to read, even in direct sunlight
• Color Screen: Helpful when there are multiple menus or data points on screen
• Digital Viewfinder: Helps narrow down your target area, excellent for long-range measuring
• Digital Camera: More easily see your target area or overlay measurements directly onto a photo
• Inclinometer: Makes for easier indirect measurements and sometimes displays the angle measurement as a digital level function
• Tripod Threads: Setup for super-stable measurements
• Unit Selection: Switch between metric and Imperial units (available on most models)
• Front/Rear Measurement Selection: Take the measurement from the front or read of the meter (available on most models)

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