The Best Laser Distance Measurer for Indoor & Outdoor Use

Laser distance measurer comes in handy for a lot of things. You don’t have to be a painter to use it. You could be a carpenter you could be a drywall guy or anybody that’s taking measurements. Erroneous devices like tape measures and squares have been long cast aside in favor of more accurate alternatives.

Laser measuring devices provide both accuracy and precision, this is why they have rendered conventional tools obsolete. Human error is an ever-present possibility with measuring tools, but not with these!

Laser measuring tools have revolutionized the world of measures. Such a tool is the single solution to all measuring problems. Not only does it measure with great accuracy but also keeps track of all your measurements. It can also employ various measurement methods and is highly versatile. This means that no matter what you wish to build, your dimensions will never go wrong.

Another attractive feature is the ease of operation. There is no hassling around with tape or fumbling with complicated measures. All you need to do is to place the device correctly and then press the button to measure, it’s that simple! The results are unsurpassable and have consistently excelled those obtained conventionally.

It can get problematic at times to pick a decent tool from such a vast repository. Stores and online shopping spots are filled with models, each better than the other in a certain way. To help you solve this problem, we have gathered our top 5 picks for the best laser measuring tools out there. Hang tight and let’s explore the best models available in 2021.

Image	Product
Best Choice	Leica DISTO D1 - Laser Distance Measurer with Bluetooth Range (up to): 120 ft Bluetooth: Yes Power: 2 AA batteries Read Review	Read Review
Also Great	Bosch GLM165-40 - Laser Distance Measurer Range (up to): 165 ft Bluetooth: No Power: 2 AAA batteries Read Review	Read Review
Best Price	DTAPE DT50 - Shockproof Laser Measuring Tool Range (up to): 165 ft Bluetooth: No Power: 3 AAA batteries Read Review	Read Review
Best for DIY	DEWALT DW099S - Laser Measure Tool Range (up to): 100 ft Bluetooth: Yes Power: 2 AAA batteries Read Review	Read Review
Best for Pro	Bosch GLM400CL - Outdoor Laser Measure with Camera Range (up to): 400 ft Bluetooth: Yes Power: 3 AA batteries Read Review	Read Review

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1. Leica DISTO D1 – Best Bluetooth Enabled Laser Distance Measurer

Leica DISTO D1 is also another decent laser measuring tool. It incorporates simplicity to the equation without sacrificing the professional edge of the measuring tool. This is a basic tool in shoot up to 120-foot range. Very prevalent and widely used among DIYers and professionals. It has a simple two-button functionality but allows for great measurements.

Leica D1 comes with a class II laser and has a minuscule output of 1mW. It is highly accurate, being able to measure even the smallest gaps (1/16 inches) with extreme accuracy. DISTO D1 also comes with Bluetooth connectivity which allows you to use the tool on the go. This also allows users to integrate their readings and data with the Leica Disto sketch app. This app allows you to design floors and graphically use your readings. 

The app is available on both iOS and Android, meaning that the tool’s functionality can be extended to these devices. It is a decent, portable option, with one slight drawback: it can only measure distances up to 120 feet which are less than competing models. Overall, this is an excellent DIY option with many solid features in its arsenals. One can easily overlook the distance limit when one considers the excellence of the Disto app.

Features:

• Accuracy Line: 1/16 inches
• Range (up to): 120 feet
• Power: Battery-powered, non-rechargeable; 1mW 
• Outdoor Use: Yes 
• Bluetooth: Yes 
• Camera: No 

Pros:

• Compact and portable model.
• The Disto app allows you to put the app’s readings to practical use.
• Highly accurate, can measure distances as short as 1/16 inches.
• Leica DISTO D1 is a simple, yet professional-grade model, although suited better for DIY purposes.

Cons:

• The distance range is lower than competitors, capping at 120 feet.
• The model lacks detailed professional features.

2. Bosch Blaze Pro GLM165-40 – Best Laser Distance Measurer

Another tool that I discovered that I like. I think it’s a tool that you should see. It’s a device from a company called Bosch. Bosch Blaze Pro GLM165-40 is an impressively accurate and reliable measuring tool. This tool can measure distances as long as 165 feet and even the tiniest gaps, as short as 1/16 inches. The model is very easy to use, all you need to do is to press a button to get the work done.

Blaze Pro GLM165-40 is ideal for outdoor use. It is backlit, meaning that the screen can be read with eases even in darkness. It is also compact sized, you can carry it around in your pocket with ease. Its readings are extremely accurate and they are adjusted as you move your position. This feature is called liver measuring, it means that when you take a reading and then move towards or away from the point measured, the reading will update.

If you want to measure the area of space, you need not do the math yourself. All you have to do is to press the auto square function which will provide you the accurate square footage of the space. It is also highly durable and consumes only minute power, meaning that its battery life is considerably long. This model comes with a hand strap, target cards, AA batteries, and a pouch. 

Features:

• Accuracy Line: 1/16 inches
• Range (up to): 165 feet
• Power: Battery powered, non-rechargeable; 1mW power
• Outdoor Use: Yes
• Bluetooth: No
• Camera: No

Pros:

• Highly accurate model.
• Portable, fits perfectly in the pocket and comes with both a pouch and a hand strap.
• The backlit screen makes reading easy.
• Offers live measurements.
• Helpful auto-square function.

Cons:

• Lack of Bluetooth connectivity.
• There is no connectable application.

3. DTAPE DT50 – Best Shockproof Laser Measuring Tool

DTAPE DT50 is a stronger contender on this list and has a myriad of features to boast. Like all of its competitors, the model is very accurate, with a least count 1/16 inches and a maximum distance measuring of 165 feet. It offers readings in three metrics: meters, inches, and feet, on a backlit LCD which makes it easy-to-read even in darkness.

This laser measurer is ideal for use in places where silence must be observed, i.e. libraries. Its mute button will turn off the measurement beeps in these areas and help you work without disturbing people around you. It is a waterproof, dustproof, and durable model, it also comes with a two-year warranty which expresses the manufacturer’s trust in the product.

This measuring device, covered with a hard rubber casing is ideal for using outdoors. DT50 also comes with a hand strap and has an excellent grip. DTAPE DT50 measures more than just linear lengths, it can calculate areas, volumes, Pythagorean measures, etc. It contains 20 slots for group data memory and allows you to delete data manually. It also shuts down automatically after 150 seconds of inactivity, preserving power.

The device lacks Bluetooth connectivity or applications that go with the device’s data. But this deficit is more than made up for by the tons of features that the DTAPE offers.

Features:

• Accuracy Line: 1/16 inches
• Range (up to): 165 feet
• Outdoor Use: Yes, ideal because of its shockproof build
• Bluetooth: No
• Memory: 20 slots for grouped data
• Camera: No
• Warranty: 2 years

Pros:

• Highly durable, shockproof model, ideal for outdoor use.
• Offers three different metrics and various measurements.
• It comes with a 2 years warranty period.
• There are 20 groups of memory slots.

Cons:

• There is no Bluetooth connectivity.
• There are no applications that serve alongside the model.

4. DeWALT DW099S – Best Laser Measure Tool

DeWALT DW099S is ideal for making measurements and performing simple addition and subtraction operations. The model can measure distances up to 100 feet, with a precision of 3/32 inches. This number, though lower than rival models, is still impressive. Let’s say that you hate math it was always your nemesis in school and you despise it because math gives you a nightmare when you go to sleep at night any numbers. This device was made for you. In the little corner is a little picture that looks like a cube you just press it and it gives you a square.

If you’re a little bit off maybe you’re off the edge the angle finder going to calculate the degrees and it will give you the true distance from point A to point B down to the sixteenth of an inch. The model is ideally suited for making linear measurements. DeWALT DW099S can help you estimate flooring or paint required to cover a surface with great accuracy. It also has an efficient consumption of power at 1mW. DW099S comes with a warranty period of 3 years, which is sufficient to suggest that the product is durable.

DeWALT DW099S offers Bluetooth connectivity, allowing integration with mobile devices. Despite some of its setbacks, the model is a decent DIY option at an affordable range. It is accurate, functional, affordable, and durable – all that one could want from a laser measure.

Features:

• Accuracy Line: 3/32 inches
• Range (up to): 100 feet; lowest, suited for DIY
• Warranty: 3 years; longest
• Outdoor Use: Not Recommended due to less range
• Bluetooth: Yes
• Camera: No

Pros:

• Bluetooth connectivity.
• 3-year warranty.
• DeWALT DW099S can measure linear dimensions with great accuracy.
• Ideal for DIY operations.

Cons:

• Lacks several options present in higher-end models.
• Only measures up to 100 feet.

5. Bosch Blaze GLM400CL – Best Outdoor Laser Measure with Camera

Bosch presents another stunning contender for this top 5 list. This model easily surpasses the rest in outdoor usage and is by far the most practical in this regard. This tool can measure lengths up to a whopping 400 feet, which is higher than all of the other models. It also enjoys a flawless accuracy of 1/16 inches which is not compromised even at longer distances.

Blaze GLM400CL comes equipped with a high-resolution camera that allows you to spot the laser dot from afar and snap a shot of it too. Bluetooth connectivity allows you to integrate the device’s measurements with the exclusive Bosch MeasureOn app. The model can measure much more than linear lengths, it can calculate areas, volumes, and Pythagorean dimensions, etc.

It features a class II laser and operates at minimal power, less than 1mW, and is rechargeable – another unique feature on this list. Its LCD is backlit and easy to read, be it light or dark. It comes with a micro USB cable, battery charger, hand strap, and pouch. The models provide an all in one package for outdoor laser measurement tools.

Though pictures are too big to be transferable, the data can be manipulated by the MeasureOn app. This model is highly versatile and provides an amazing plethora of features, most of which are exclusive only to it in this list.

Features:

• Accuracy Line: 1/16 inches
• Range (up to): 400 feet; highest on list
• Power: Battery-powered, rechargeable; less than 1mW 
• Outdoor Use: Yes
• Bluetooth: Yes
• Camera: Yes; high resolution

Pros:

• Measures distance up to 400 feet with an accuracy of 1/16 inches.
• Comes with Bluetooth connectivity and can be integrated with the Bosch MeasureOn app.
• Equipped with a high-resolution camera.
• Ideal for outdoor use.

Cons:

• Lacks shock-proof features essential for outdoor models.
• Pictures are too big to be transferred.

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Buyer’s Guide: How To Choose The Best Laser Distance Measurer?

There are a lot of things to consider when buying a precise measuring device. A laser measuring tool is a one-time investment and hence it is important to make an informed decision. You need to consider a heap of factors before deciding your pick and even then the financial aspect must be addressed. We have made a brief rundown of all the necessary features for you here:

Accuracy Line

Accuracy is one of the main selling points for these devices. Laser measuring tools surpass conventional instruments in this matter but do have limitations of their own. Ideally, these limitations are minute and negligible. For most items discussed on this list, the accuracy limit was 1/16 inches. This is a very decent number, meaning that they can deliver a result accurately even down to this fraction.

Range (up to)

The range is defined as the maximum distance to which a laser measuring tool can measure. This varies from model to model and is generally higher in outdoor models. DIY models such as DeWALT DW099S have a shorter range, i.e. only 100 feet. This makes them unsuitable for outdoor use, but you’re good to go indoors. High-end models like Bosch Blaze GLM400CL offer a greater range, up to 400 feet, but at a higher price too.

Laser Diode Class

Most of the models mentioned on this list are equipped with class II laser diodes. These are enough to get the job done, and are very accurate as well. Remember not to buy a model with a lower class laser diode.

Power

With the sole exception of Bosch Blaze GLM400CL, all models mentioned on this list consume 1mW power or more. The said product is the only one using less than this amount and that too from rechargeable batteries. Most laser measurers work via non-rechargeable battery cells but the Bosch Blaze GLM400CL has a rechargeable battery.

Operating Temperature

Measure tools suitable for outdoor usage must be able to stand the cold and the heat. Only the most versatile models have such resilience. The models mentioned above have such capabilities, especially the shock-proof DTAPE DT50. Normally it is advised that the models not be used in extreme conditions if they don’t have to be, but it is best to have a tool that can take it.

Dimensions

Most of the models mentioned on this list are pocket-sized. They can be easily placed in your pocket and carried around without any duress. Larger models have been omitted because they are not so portable. The whole idea behind these laser measurement tools is the ease of operation. Smaller sizes allow for that ease of use and let you use the measuring device in multiple contexts. Most of the models on this list also come with straps and pouches, meaning that if you can’t carry them in your pockets, you can still have them with you.

Weight

Ideally, a lightweight build with heavy-duty functions would be your choice. What good would a laser measuring tool be if it were heavy? The whole notion behind these tools is how easy they make your work. Lightweight frames are just another part of this jigsaw puzzle. Models such as Leica DISTO D1 have a minimalistic design but strong functionality. How? Simple, they use Bluetooth connectivity to integrate with relevant apps. This means that your measuring tool remains lightweight and easy to use, and you get to do all the “pro-stuff” on mobile applications. 

Outdoor Use

For a model to qualify for outdoor use, it must be able to measure long distances and bear environmental stresses. Bosch Blaze GLM400CL is perfect for taking long-distance readings. It can make linear measurements as far as 400 feet and that too with striking accuracy. It is also equipped with a camera so that you can focus on the laser pointer and take snaps of your measurements. For a perfect shock-proof solution, we recommend that you turn to DTAPE DT50. This model is waterproof and dustproof, in short, it is the ideal outdoor gadget.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth integration is important for two reasons. Firstly, it takes a massive load off the tool itself. This means both the work and the weight, the actual “load”. Dividing the task between a laser distance measurer and a cell phone will impart a minimalistic and simple design to the tool. Leica DISTO D1, for example, is a simple tool with only two buttons for measurements. However, the true potential of the measuring device lies in its Bluetooth connectivity. Via this link, it integrates with the exclusive Disto app, where you can use a graphical interface to perform advanced tasks.

Memory

Laser measurement tools also store the data recorded. You don’t have to scribble down every reading on a notepad, only to forget which one was which. Some models have a built-in memory to help you out in this case. DTAPE DT50, for instance, comes with a 20-slot memory which allows you to store 20 sets of data. These sets are grouped data, i.e. the various dimensions from one area or object. You can also delete these entries manually when you don’t need them.

Camera

Bosch Blaze GLM400CL comes equipped with a high-resolution camera. This camera can zoom in to staggering lengths and photograph the laser dots used for measurements. The camera makes the digital laser measurer much more functional and accurate. This way, you can ensure that the laser hits the right spot and your measurements are accurate. With a model lacking this feature, you’ll need a very keen eye. 

Affordability

A tool is only good enough for you if you can buy it. The higher-end models have much to offer but cost a lot too. You must ask yourself: how much do I need? You might have no use for some advanced features, especially if you want to use the tool for DIY.

Warranty

The warranty reflects the confidence of the manufacturer in its product. If a manufacturer offers a great warranty, you can go ahead and get their model without fear.

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FAQs

How do laser distance measuring devices work?

Laser measuring tools use laser beams to measure distance. When the laser hits the target, the device notes the distance. The device can then use the reading to calculate area, volume, etc.

How accurate are laser distance measurers compared to regular tape measurers?

Very accurate. Conventional means have two serious flaws: they may construct poorly, and the ever-present risk of human error. Laser measuring tools have neither of these issues and hence deliver the best results. They are accurate to fractions of an inch (mostly 1/16 inches).

Will a laser measuring tool measure the distance to water?

This is not advisable. Water is a fluid medium and will refract the laser beam unless placed directly above it at a 90o angle (for depth measurement). You can always place a target before the water body and measure the distance to that tag.

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Final Thoughts

Laser measuring tools have gained popularity over the years because of their functionality and ease of use. These tools help you plan your house’s renovation or to make accurate measurements for installing equipment. These tools have rendered conventional measures obsolete. We hope that this article helped you make an informed choice.

About Sedny Attia

Sedny holds an MS in Engineering and has a background in writing articles and reviews. Sedny is most interested in the science behind emerging technology.