I’ve researched and compared the best laser tape measures on the UK market. My top recommendation is the Makita LD050P Laser Distance Meter.
My Top Recommended Laser Tape Measures
Editors Choice
Makita LD050P Laser Distance Meter
1. Best budget option - Makita LD050P Laser Distance Meter
2. Best value for money - Leica Geosystems D110 60m Laser Distance Measure[ SAVE 18% ]
3. Best laser tape measure - Leica Disto D510 Laser Distance Meter[ SAVE 21% ]
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If you’re doing some home renovations, most high-end laser measuring tools will probably seem a bit much for what you need. No fear, as there are basic laser tape measures out there to help with simple, home DIY projects.
For example, the Makita LD050P Laser Distance Meter is positioned at a much cheaper price than the others laser measures on this list, and is a simple laser measure that works efficiently for jobs around the home.
This budget-friendly option has a good measuring range of 50 m and is accurate to 2 mm. It has multiple calculating functions, including Pythagoras, that’s missing from the Leica Geosystems Laser Measure. At almost half the price, that’s pretty astounding.
The laser measure can carry out a range of functions including addition, subtraction, area and volume calculation as well as Pythagoras. It also stores the last five measurements with its internal memory so they can easily be referred back to.
It has an IP54 rating which means it is both dust and water resistant. It’s protected against light dust ingress and can withstand light sprays of water. These protection levels will be fine for DIY use around the home, they just mean the laser measure isn’t 100% dust proof.
To save battery life, this laser distance measurer switches off after 90 seconds of inactivity. The whole unit shuts off after 180 seconds of inactivity to help extend battery life further.
Overall, this is the best laser measure to buy on a budget. It offers very good value for money given that it has a range of functions featured on much more expensive models. It’s particularly good for indoor use and can also be used outdoors if there are appropriate weather conditions.
Bright sunlight may affect the clarity of the laser outdoors, so it will likely work better on overcast days. There’s no camera included to help with this, which is the case some more expensive laser measuring tools. It comes with a pouch, strap and 2 x AAA batteries.
Best budget option
Scores:
- Accuracy
- Ease of Use
- Value for Money
- Overall
If you’re doing some home renovations, most high-end laser measuring tools will probably seem a bit much for what you need. No fear, as there are basic laser tape measures out there to help with simple, home DIY projects.
For example, the Makita LD050P Laser Distance Meter is positioned at a much cheaper price than the others laser measures on this list, and is a simple laser measure that works efficiently for jobs around the home.
This budget-friendly option has a good measuring range of 50 m and is accurate to 2 mm. It has multiple calculating functions, including Pythagoras, that’s missing from the Leica Geosystems Laser Measure. At almost half the price, that’s pretty astounding.
The laser measure can carry out a range of functions including addition, subtraction, area and volume calculation as well as Pythagoras. It also stores the last five measurements with its internal memory so they can easily be referred back to.
It has an IP54 rating which means it is both dust and water resistant. It’s protected against light dust ingress and can withstand light sprays of water. These protection levels will be fine for DIY use around the home, they just mean the laser measure isn’t 100% dust proof.
To save battery life, this laser distance measurer switches off after 90 seconds of inactivity. The whole unit shuts off after 180 seconds of inactivity to help extend battery life further.
Overall, this is the best laser measure to buy on a budget. It offers very good value for money given that it has a range of functions featured on much more expensive models. It’s particularly good for indoor use and can also be used outdoors if there are appropriate weather conditions.
Bright sunlight may affect the clarity of the laser outdoors, so it will likely work better on overcast days. There’s no camera included to help with this, which is the case some more expensive laser measuring tools. It comes with a pouch, strap and 2 x AAA batteries.
Features:
- Range
- 50 m
- Accuracy Level
- ± 2 mm
- Digital Point Finder
- No
- Water Protection
- Yes
- Zoom
- No
Pros
- It is a challenge to use this laser outside in bright sunlight
- Extremely accurate, better than the indicated +/- 2mm
- Small and lightweight - easy to carry around in your pocket
- Has a very longlasting battery
Cons
- Although well-built, there is no protection on the outside which makes it more susceptible to damage
- Not suitable for dusty construction sites
- The plastic coating is quite slippery and not easy to grip
- There is no backlight so reading the screen in dim lighting may be difficult
This neat Leica Geosystems D110 60m Laser Distance Measure comes in at nearly a quarter of the price of the Leica Disto (also featured on this page). However, it still has all the basic qualities you’d want as a DIY enthusiast. These include a good measuring range of 60 m and accurate measurements to within 1.5 mm.
This laser measuring tool uses continuous measurement to show you precise distance measurements even if you move closer or further away. It can also carry out area measurements, allowing you to calculate data for a whole room without having to do the maths yourself.
Its IP54 dust and splash protection is reasonable, albeit slightly on the low side. IP54 means that this laser measure is protected against some dust ingress, but will only withstand a light spray of water.
This laser distance meter uses a relatively bright laser, which is visible in most conditions, including sunlight. So it’s suitable for outdoor use.
In terms of connectivity, this laser measure is Bluetooth enabled, so it can be connected to a phone or tablet. On tops of this, the Leica App, ‘DISTO sketch’, will allow you to use the collected data and prepare layouts and drawings with precise dimensions.
However, this specific laser measure cannot calculate Pythagoras or volume, and it doesn’t have a tilt sensor, so there are a few advanced measurement modes missing. Even so, it’s still capable of a lot of different functions. It also comes with a holster, pocket clip and 2 x AAA batteries.
This is a durable, well-priced laser distance measurer for professionals and DIY enthusiasts. It’s the best laser measure if you’re after value for money. It’s an accurate model, which has Bluetooth connectivity and can do some impressive calculations, without costing a premium price.
Best value for money
Scores:
- Accuracy
- Ease of Use
- Value for Money
- Overall
This neat Leica Geosystems D110 60m Laser Distance Measure comes in at nearly a quarter of the price of the Leica Disto (also featured on this page). However, it still has all the basic qualities you’d want as a DIY enthusiast. These include a good measuring range of 60 m and accurate measurements to within 1.5 mm.
This laser measuring tool uses continuous measurement to show you precise distance measurements even if you move closer or further away. It can also carry out area measurements, allowing you to calculate data for a whole room without having to do the maths yourself.
Its IP54 dust and splash protection is reasonable, albeit slightly on the low side. IP54 means that this laser measure is protected against some dust ingress, but will only withstand a light spray of water.
This laser distance meter uses a relatively bright laser, which is visible in most conditions, including sunlight. So it’s suitable for outdoor use.
In terms of connectivity, this laser measure is Bluetooth enabled, so it can be connected to a phone or tablet. On tops of this, the Leica App, ‘DISTO sketch’, will allow you to use the collected data and prepare layouts and drawings with precise dimensions.
However, this specific laser measure cannot calculate Pythagoras or volume, and it doesn’t have a tilt sensor, so there are a few advanced measurement modes missing. Even so, it’s still capable of a lot of different functions. It also comes with a holster, pocket clip and 2 x AAA batteries.
This is a durable, well-priced laser distance measurer for professionals and DIY enthusiasts. It’s the best laser measure if you’re after value for money. It’s an accurate model, which has Bluetooth connectivity and can do some impressive calculations, without costing a premium price.
Features:
- Range
- 60 m
- Accuracy Level
- ± 1.5 mm
- Digital Point Finder
- No
- Water Protection
- Yes
- Zoom
- No
Pros
- Connects easily to smartphones and the free app is relatively intuitive
- Small and functional - can be slotted into a pocket
- The rubber grip makes it easy and comfortable to hold
- Fast, accurate and very reliable
Cons
- The narrow base means keeping it steady when measuring may be tricky
- May be hard to measure over 20m as there is no built-in level
- Cannot calculate volume or Pythagoras
The Leica Disto D510 Laser Distance Meter offers precise distance measurement as well as a host of other features. It’s at the pricier end of the market, but it’s the best laser measure overall; it’s reliable and suitable for professional tasks.
You’ll quickly see why this laser distance measure justifies its cost. For starters, it has a long measuring range of 200 m and can measure accurately to within 1 mm. It also has a full-colour screen, a digital point finder and a 4X zoom camera, making it easy to use across large areas and in low-visibility conditions.
The built-in camera makes this laser measure easy to use even in bright sunlight or in the dark. If you’re measuring something 200 m away, you won’t need to squint to make sure the laser’s aiming at the right point – the display shows a close-up, coloured image of where the laser is pointing. It can use continuous measurement, so you can measure distances as you move closer and further away from them, without having to take an individual measurement each time.
On top of its camera feature, this laser measure features Bluetooth. This allows you to transfer data to other devices, such as your phone or tablet. It can also be used with the Leica Disto Sketch app to create accurate plans and drawings.
Thanks to its IP65 rating, this is a robust laser measure that can cope with wet and dusty environments. The IP65 rating means it is dust tight and protected from splashing water. The unit can also withstand being dropped from up to 2 m (though perhaps best not to test this unnecessarily!).
This laser measure also comes with a range of measurement modes allowing for various calculations. These include various mathematical functions, a triangle-area function, complex heights and height differences.
It can measure around obstacles as well as calculating area and volume. Plus, you can choose to display data in metric or imperial measurements.
Due to its many functions, this laser measuring tool is a great choice for people doing a lot of building work. It can be used by those without previous experience with laser measures, but it may take a while to get used to how it works. Reading the information pack will be necessary to get confident with all of the functions.
This laser distance meter comes with a pouch, wrist strap, 2 x AA batteries, a quick-start manual and a user guide on DVD.
If you’re a professional that needs to take accurate measurements, especially over long distances, this is the best laser measure. The built-in camera is particularly useful for accurate and quick measurement taking, even across distances longer than a standard football pitch.
Best laser tape measure
Scores:
- Accuracy
- Ease of Use
- Value for Money
- Overall
The Leica Disto D510 Laser Distance Meter offers precise distance measurement as well as a host of other features. It’s at the pricier end of the market, but it’s the best laser measure overall; it’s reliable and suitable for professional tasks.
You’ll quickly see why this laser distance measure justifies its cost. For starters, it has a long measuring range of 200 m and can measure accurately to within 1 mm. It also has a full-colour screen, a digital point finder and a 4X zoom camera, making it easy to use across large areas and in low-visibility conditions.
The built-in camera makes this laser measure easy to use even in bright sunlight or in the dark. If you’re measuring something 200 m away, you won’t need to squint to make sure the laser’s aiming at the right point – the display shows a close-up, coloured image of where the laser is pointing. It can use continuous measurement, so you can measure distances as you move closer and further away from them, without having to take an individual measurement each time.
On top of its camera feature, this laser measure features Bluetooth. This allows you to transfer data to other devices, such as your phone or tablet. It can also be used with the Leica Disto Sketch app to create accurate plans and drawings.
Thanks to its IP65 rating, this is a robust laser measure that can cope with wet and dusty environments. The IP65 rating means it is dust tight and protected from splashing water. The unit can also withstand being dropped from up to 2 m (though perhaps best not to test this unnecessarily!).
This laser measure also comes with a range of measurement modes allowing for various calculations. These include various mathematical functions, a triangle-area function, complex heights and height differences.
It can measure around obstacles as well as calculating area and volume. Plus, you can choose to display data in metric or imperial measurements.
Due to its many functions, this laser measuring tool is a great choice for people doing a lot of building work. It can be used by those without previous experience with laser measures, but it may take a while to get used to how it works. Reading the information pack will be necessary to get confident with all of the functions.
This laser distance meter comes with a pouch, wrist strap, 2 x AA batteries, a quick-start manual and a user guide on DVD.
If you’re a professional that needs to take accurate measurements, especially over long distances, this is the best laser measure. The built-in camera is particularly useful for accurate and quick measurement taking, even across distances longer than a standard football pitch.
Features:
- Range
- 200 m
- Accuracy Level
- ± 1.0 mm
- Digital Point Finder
- Yes
- Water Protection
- Yes
- Zoom
- Yes - 4x zoom
Pros
- The built-in camera and zoom feature means it can still be used in bright sunlight where you can’t see the laser
- 1mm accuracy is superior to other models on the market
- The compact design fits in small pockets and can be carried around with you
- Comes with batteries included
Cons
- Not beginner friendly without practice
- Hard to see the keys in poor lighting
- The screen may be a little small for some users
- Sketch app is difficult to navigate
Compare Product Features Here
Use the dropdown to sort the table by the feature that's most important to you.
- Our score
- Range
- Accuracy Level
- Digital Point Finder
- Water Protection
- Zoom
-
- Range50 m
- Accuracy Level± 2 mm
- Digital Point FinderNo
- Water ProtectionYes
- ZoomNo
-
- Range60 m
- Accuracy Level± 1.5 mm
- Digital Point FinderNo
- Water ProtectionYes
- ZoomNo
-
- Range200 m
- Accuracy Level± 1.0 mm
- Digital Point FinderYes
- Water ProtectionYes
- ZoomYes - 4x zoom
Tips For Buying a Laser Tape Measure
- You’ll need to look for different features in your laser measure depending on whether you’re working on a construction site, or doing regular DIY around the home.
- Given the amount of dust around construction sites, professionals should look for a laser distance measure with an ingress protection rating of IP65 – IP68 to prevent damage. For DIY work, a lower rating of IP54 should be sufficient.
- Also, for general DIY around the home, a range of 50 m will be enough to measure anywhere indoors. However, some of the best laser tape measures have a much larger range of 200 m +, which may be required for professional work.
- If you want a relatively simple device, that will take precise distance measurements, the most important thing to look out for is a tape measure that is accurate to within 1 – 2 mm.
- There are also several more advanced machines on the market. Some laser measures are capable of measuring area, volume and height differences as well as doing various other calculations. If you often do a lot of calculations by hand, a laser measuring tool with mathematical functions may be worth considering.
- Additionally, bright sunshine can make it difficult to see the laser spot, so if you want to use the unit predominantly outside, consider buying one with a built-in camera. These are typically more advanced models, making it possible to see exactly where the laser is positioned.
With this in mind, my top recommendation is the Leica Disto D510 Laser Distance Meter. It has a host of functions and undoubtedly one of the best laser tape measures on the market. Accurate to within 1 mm, it can measure distances up to 200 m as well as do numerous calculations. There’s a built-in camera with 4X zoom, so it’s easy to work over large distances, plus it’s Bluetooth enabled. This means you can transfer data to your devices or connect it to the Leica Disto Sketch app to create detailed plans and drawings.
Take a look at the reviews below for more details about this laser measure, as well as some other excellent alternatives.
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How to Choose The Best Laser Tape Measure
Laser tape measures are loved for their range of functions, reliability and accuracy.
Traditional tape measures can be difficult to use during certain DIY jobs. Laser distance meters, on the other hand, provide fast and accurate measurements. Additionally, their ‘one handed’ simplicity makes them highly practical; laser measuring makes it possible to take precise measurements without requiring a second pair of hands.
When looking to buy the best laser measure, you’ll see that there’s a surprisingly diverse range to choose from.
If you’re not sure what to look out for, the following tips should help you make an informed decision:
Laser Distance Measures vs Traditional Tape Measures
Laser distance measurers open a whole world of straightforward, accurate measurement taking.
Although standard tape measures are reliable and simple, they can become impractical when it comes to measuring long distances. You’ll need an extra person to hold one end and the accuracy of the reading is often questionable.
The best laser measures take away a lot of guesswork. Plus, they allow you to measure distances without calling in reinforcements! As soon as you’re trying to do anything other than measure a simple 2 m wall, a laser measure will be a valuable tool.
A laser distance measurer will take accurate measurements. Plus, a high end laser measure can record a range of data including distance, volume and area extremely quickly. With a normal tape measure, you’d have to use a calculator, or a pen and pencil to work out these figures.
Often coming with multiple measurement modes, a laser measure can add and subtract, and often do other calculations, if you find yourself stuck with some complicated arithmetic.
Of course, as with all machines, even the best laser distance measurer will lack some of the simplicity of a traditional tape measure – they will require charging, or batteries, and you might need to spend some time working out their buttons and functions. But, overall, I’d say a laser measuring device is a lot more efficient than a conventional tape measure.
Top tip: If you’re trying to measure a distance that doesn’t end with a wall or ends with a transparent material (such as glass), you’ll need to purchase a ‘target plate‘. These target plates give you something to aim the laser dot at, as the laser needs to bounce off an opaque surface to take a measurement.
Suitability for Indoor or Outdoor Use
Laser measures are designed for either indoor or outdoor use. To use a laser measure outdoors on a sunny day, it can help if it’s fitted with a built-in zoom camera (otherwise it’s hard to see the laser point).
Those built for outdoor use generally have a more robust construction, with good dust and water resistance.
The level of water protection will vary between models. The toughest laser tape measures can be used in dusty environments such as construction sites.
IP ratings are used to indicate how waterproof and dust proof products are. In an IP rating, there are generally two numbers present, for example ‘IP67’. In this case, the first digit, ‘6’ signifies the product’s protection against ‘foreign bodies’, such as dust. The second digit, ‘7’, indicates its protection against moisture.
Some of the most common IP ratings are as follows:
IP65 – “dust tight” and protected against a light spray of water
IP66 – “dust tight” and protected against heavy saltwater spray or powerful jets of water
IP67 – “dust tight” and protected against immersion – can be submerged for up to 30 minutes to depths between 150mm and 1000mm
IP68 – “dust tight” and protected against being submerged in water for a prolonged period
The best laser measure for use on a dusty construction site will have an IP rating of IP65 and above.
Maximum Measuring Distance
Laser measures have a maximum measuring distance, so if you’re after something to measure across big distances, make sure to check the product specs before purchase.
A measurement range of 60m tends to be enough for most domestic tasks, but some lasers can measure distances up to 300m in length. If you’re working on a construction site, you’ll probably find that a measure with a maximum distance of 200 – 300m will do any job just fine.
You should also look at the accuracy of the laser tape measure. Most should be accurate to within 1mm, but cheaper models may have slightly lower accuracies.
Extra Functions
The best thing about laser tape measures is they usually come with several additional features and functions. For example, devices with Bluetooth are capable of transferring measurements and data to your phone or tablet.
A large display will make your tape measure easier to use and read, while most will also be able to complete various calculations. Lots of units will allow you to measure around obstacles and much more.
Some laser measures come with zoom, a digital point finder, and even a built-in camera. These allow you to use it in very bright or dark conditions. While these laser tape measures will be more expensive, their functionality might be worth it to you.
Laser Tape Measure FAQs
How do I use a laser measure?
There are a variety of different measurements that can be made with a laser distance measurer. Laser measuring devices come with guides and even instructional DVDs to walk you through all the functions. To measure a simple distance, you should place the laser measure at one end of the line that is to be measured and aim the laser beam at a solid target such as a wall.
If there is no solid object or wall, a plastic target may be used to allow the laser beam to be reflected. Then just press the button and the distance is measured and the result displayed on the unit’s screen.
Will I need any accessories to go with my laser tape measure?
Most laser distance measures come with a protective bag and strap, but there are a couple of other accessories that can help you to get the most out of your laser tape measure:
- A tripod provides stability and can increase the accuracy of distance measurements.
- A target plate allows for precise measurements where there’s no solid object to measure against, such as foundations, garden landscaping, or a glass surface.
- Protective eyeglasses shield your eyes from lasers and are widely available. Just make sure the ones you get matches the wavelength of the laser measure you’ve bought.
How accurate are laser distance measures?
This depends on the tape measure you purchase. Most laser measuring tools give an accurate measurement to within 3 mm, while the best laser measures should be accurate to ± 1 mm.
Laser tape measures offer much more accuracy than standard tape measures. When you use metal tapes or strings to measure longer distances, they naturally sag under gravity, thus reducing their accuracy. But, as lasers are not affected by gravity, they do not suffer this issue.
What are laser tape measures used for?
An accurate laser measure makes it very easy for you to measure distances. Whether you’re facing a tall ceiling, are living alone, or have limited mobility, laser tape measures remove the need for ladders and extra help from a second person.
A laser measurer is useful if you wanted to measure the distance between things you didn’t want to touch. For example, you might need to know how far away the overhead powerlines are in construction or house renovations. In this case, a laser measure would not only save you from getting on a ladder but also protect you from the electrical risk.
Laser tape measures are also useful for measuring length and distances within awkward and small spaces. If you needed to measure the distance of your stairs’ handrail, you could do this from the bottom (or top) of the stairs. In this case, you’d be a lot safer as you wouldn’t have to be climbing the stairs whilst holding a tape measure.
Lasers are less physically demanding than traditional tape measures. For example, the user would only have to use one hand to operate the laser, and they could do it by themselves without the help of a second person.
Additionally, lots of jobs that require a measuring tool are often also physically tiring. So, people who work in construction, for example, might find that a laser distance measurer reduces their fatigue in a small way, making their other physical tasks easier.
Finally, high-end laser tape measures can do area and volume calculations. They have built-in calculators to work out these values for you. This saves you from taking multiple measurements and working them out yourself. Just choose the ‘area’ or ‘volume’ setting on your device.
How do laser tape measures work?
A beam of light is produced by the laser measurer, which you can then aim at your desired object. The machine calculates the length of this distance by measuring the time it takes for the light to be reflected.
If you want your laser measure to calculate values such as volume or area, there’s a similar process. All you do is take multiple measurements in your desired room.
So, when calculating the area of a square or rectangle-shaped room, you would use the laser to measure height, and then width. These are multiplied together to get your value, a process that can be carried out by the laser measuring tape if it has a setting for calculating area.
Are laser tape measures dangerous?
Most laser measuring tools use class 2 lasers. This is a much safer class than some stronger lasers but should still be handled with care. Like anything, if used improperly, a laser measure can become hazardous.
Laser measures could harm your eyes if you look directly into the beam. To reduce this risk, you must make sure not to look at the beam or aim it directly at anyone.
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