10 Best Laser Range Finders

Rating of laser rangefinders

When compiling a review of laser rangefinders, our experts studied models from well-known brands. The performance characteristics were checked, the results obtained were compared with the passport data. When compiling the TOP 10, the opinions of professional builders and user reviews were taken into account. The main attention was paid to the following parameters:

Range - in everyday life, measurements at 30 m are sufficient, at a construction site - 200-250 m;
Accuracy is important when installing complex structural elements;
Operating time – battery capacity affects the need to recharge during the day;
Level of protection – the tightness of the case will extend the service life;
Temperature range – relevant for outdoor work;
Weight – a heavy device will not allow you to obtain accurate data.

Poor visibility of the beam, large errors, poor protection from dust, errors in calculations - such devices were excluded from the rating.

The best professional laser rangefinders

Devices for professional use are designed for intensive use. They are equipped with diodes that generate a powerful beam, clearly visible at a distance of 100-200 meters. Sound indication helps to record the accuracy of the readings. Digital roulettes have advanced functionality, store a large amount of data in memory, and perform complex calculations. An important feature is minimal error.

Bosch GLM 120 C

The laser rangefinder of the German company has earned positive reviews due to its functionality. The built-in camera allows you to save all measurements directly on the image of the object. Data is transferred via Bluetooth to a smartphone or using a mini-USB cable to a computer. The results can be recorded in a convenient application. The color display has high contrast, the data is easy to read, and in poor lighting conditions you can use the backlight. The screen is reliably protected from scratches.

For measurements at long distances, a built-in target designator is provided. Quick access to all functions simplifies the user-friendly interface. Help information displayed on the screen will help you understand the functionality. You can increase the accuracy of the data obtained by using a tripod. The manufacturer has provided 4 reference points, including the middle of the threaded connection.

Advantages:

Memory for 50 measurements;
Housing protection class IP54;
Minimum working distance 8 cm;
Automatic determination of the reference point;
Large battery capacity.

Flaws:

The battery takes a long time to charge.

Leica Camera Disto D2 new

The shape of the case is adapted to the anatomical features of the palm. Anti-slip pads make it easier to hold in your hand in difficult weather conditions. The housing is protected from dust, moisture, vibration and mechanical damage. The backlit monochrome display is easy to read and displays data from complex calculations. The rangefinder can be synchronized with a smartphone, tablet, or laptop via Bluetooth.

The device has three reference points; complex measurements are helped by an intelligent positioning bracket, the position of which is determined automatically. Performs indirect Pythagorean measurements, there is a self-start timer. Powered by two AAA batteries, a set of which is enough for 20 hours of continuous measurements.

Advantages:

Operates at a temperature of -10 degrees;
The last 10 measurements are stored in memory;
Bright laser;
Convenient case with belt clip;
High accuracy.

Flaws:

It is not possible to work with a tripod.

Makita LD100P

It is characterized by high measurement speed and low error. Data is displayed on a four-line screen with backlight function. Performs calculations - from measuring area to calculations using the Pythagorean theorem. The laser rangefinder with protractor is equipped with an inclination angle sensor. The device’s memory stores the last 20 measurements, and the menu is configured in accordance with personal requirements.

The model has four reference points and a time delay timer. For working at long distances there is a thread for a tripod. The positioning bracket rotates relative to the longitudinal axis, is determined automatically, and allows for complex measurements. The control panel is informative, large buttons help you quickly select the required function. The shock-resistant case with rubber pads is well protected from shock, dust, and moisture.

Advantages:

Operates stably at sub-zero temperatures;
Protective case;
Minimum distance 5 cm;
Self-diagnosis of errors;
Low power consumption.

Flaws:

There is no synchronization with a smartphone or tablet.

Control XP3

The large, brightly backlit display is easy to use in any lighting conditions. The functionality of the device is expanded by an inclinometer and a built-in bubble electronic level. Calculates area, volume, minimum and maximum distance. A folding bracket is provided for measurements in hard-to-reach places. The wide viewing angle helps to take readings from the screen.

The large control panel keys respond well to commands even when working with construction gloves. The case is shockproof, protected from dirt and high humidity. Powered by a built-in battery, uses a USB cable for charging. Memory for 50 measurements allows you to get by on a construction site without a notepad. Laser roulette is included in the State Register.

Advantages:

Tripod thread;
Continuous measurement function;
Low error;
Target designator;
Works at -20 degrees.

Flaws:

Not detected.

Budget products

3. PRACTICE DL-20 (247-170)

The maximum distance that can be measured with this device is 20 meters. Based on the information received, the device automatically calculates the perimeter, area, volume of the room and other indicators. Despite its rather compact size, this equipment is equipped with a decent digital display of large dimensions. The numbers displayed on it are quite large, they will be clearly visible even to a person with poor eyesight. Despite the fact that the device belongs to a cheap price category, it is equipped with fairly high quality optics. This allows you to achieve high data accuracy; the equipment error is only 1 mm.

Most owners of this product claim that the measurement accuracy is indeed very high. The display has LED backlighting, which allows you to work with this product even in complete darkness. When inactive, the equipment turns off automatically. The rangefinder has a rubberized body that perfectly protects not only from the penetration of dust and dirt, but also from strong impacts. The most common AA batteries serve as power supply elements, and they last for quite a long time.

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Advantages:

Low cost;
High efficiency indoors;
Long period of operation;
The batteries alone last for approximately 14 hours of continuous operation;
Reliable protection from water, dust and dirt, as well as from physical influences.

Flaws:

The batteries are discharged even when the device is turned off.

Laser rangefinder PRACTICE DL-20 (247-170)

2. INSTRUMAX SNIPER 30

A simple and fairly budget model that will be well within the means of most of our readers, it has all the necessary functions for home use. The appearance of the device is quite simple, but it has a certain elegance and attractiveness. The rangefinder has a primarily black color scheme, but the front panel is painted blue. The power button contrasts as it is made red. The shape is rectangular, somewhat elongated, with some narrowing observed towards the bottom of the structure. Thanks to this feature, the device is very comfortable to hold in your hands and will not slip out. The buttons are large, have a medium stroke, and are easy to hit, so this device can be operated even with gloves.

The cost of the unit is low, there are no rubber pads to increase resistance, there is some ribbing on the sides that does not allow the device to slide. On the surface of the case there is a special hole for a hand strap. On the top edge there is a window that emits a laser beam and a receiver that provides a response to its return. The rear panel has a compartment for installing power supplies. It is closed with a plastic lid. The device runs on two batteries or pinky batteries. The display is quite simple, liquid crystal, has two lines, the bottom one is slightly larger than the top one, the screen has LED backlighting. In addition to basic measurement data, it has a reference point icon and a battery charge indicator. After two minutes of inactivity, the unit turns off.

SNDWAY SW-M40

The product design is standard for budget laser rangefinders. Despite the fact that the equipment is not too expensive, the build quality is at a professionally high level, all elements of the case are carefully calibrated and adjusted to each other. There are no gaps, defects or backlashes. The unit runs on two AA batteries; the compartment for them is tightly closed with a plastic lid. The protection class against dust, dirt and water is IP54, which indicates a sufficiently high protection of the device from the penetration of debris and moisture. The keyboard includes seven keys at once, which are located at a fairly significant distance from each other. This allows you to use this device even with thick gloves. The movement of the buttons ends with a characteristic click, indicating that the press has been completed. The buttons are quite soft.

The design includes a bubble level, and the movement of the air bubble is quite smooth. This design will not replace a professional level, but in certain situations it is better than nothing. The overall dimensions are small: they are 112x50x25 mm. The device calculates indicators almost in real time, the delay is insignificant and is only a few tenths of a second. Before direct use, the device will have to be calibrated. How to do this correctly is described in detail in the instructions.

Advantages:

Low cost;
Wide functionality;
Instant calculation of measurements;
There is a built-in level;
Large display on which you can easily view all the necessary information;
Small overall dimensions.

Flaws:

Soft buttons that can be pressed through after several years of use.

Laser rangefinder SNDWAY SW-M40

How to choose a laser rangefinder

It is necessary to select the best laser rangefinders from the rating taking into account the specifics of the tasks at hand. You need to pay attention to the measurement range, accuracy, and battery life. The difference from regular roulette is the wide functionality of digital devices. Not all types of calculations may be relevant to users, and without some calculations it is difficult to solve engineering problems efficiently.

Measuring range

This parameter depends on the power of the installed diode, weather conditions, and lighting. The greater the distance at which measurements are taken, the higher the price of the instrument. For this reason, the choice must be approached rationally. For indoor finishing work, a device with a range of 20-30 meters is sufficient. When constructing residential buildings and commercial real estate, a device with a beam of 50-60 meters will be required. If work is being carried out at manufacturing enterprises, a stadium or a warehouse is being built, then it will be difficult to do without a tape measure for 100-200 meters.

Accuracy

Basic construction and repair work does not require precision measurement accuracy - stability in measurements is more important. An error of 3-4 mm is acceptable even for devices included in the State Register. When carrying out installation and critical construction work, when inclination angles are calculated, the most correct readings are required. It is better to perform engineering control with equipment whose error does not exceed 1-1.5 mm.

Battery life

The capacity of the battery or batteries may be enough for 2000-10000 measurements. The run-up is very large, so when choosing, you need to pay attention to this parameter. When used in everyday life, 2000 measurements are enough for a year of work. At the construction site, this number of measurements is carried out within one day. When working intensively, the type of power source matters. Regular batteries are easy to replace and continue measurements. The built-in battery must be able to be quickly recharged from a smartphone or laptop.

Additional functions

You can measure the distance from floor to ceiling or between walls during a planned home renovation using the simplest device. Complex functionality is not required for these operations. You can also make calculations using a calculator. On a construction site, working with a notepad is not so convenient. In this situation, the ability to calculate area, volume, diagonal distance, and angle of inclination will help out. Devices with such functionality have a high price, but this is offset by a reduction in data processing time. A professional rangefinder must be able to communicate with a tablet, computer, or smartphone. This will allow you to quickly send information to settlement departments for the preparation of documentation.

Professional models

Makita LD050P

This rangefinder is equipped with quite a lot of different functions. With its help, you can measure the maximum and minimum measurements, it has the ability to carry out continuous measurements, determine the area, calculate based on the existing angle according to the Pythagorean theorem. It is worth noting that the last operation can be performed at two or three points. The product is equipped with built-in memory for five measurements at once. All results are displayed on a LCD display of decent size and high definition. The keyboard is made of film and resists moisture well. The buttons are quite large, which allows the design to be used with thick gloves, including in open spaces and even outdoors. The device comes with a convenient case for storage and transportation, which can be used to provide additional protection for the device from physical influences.

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The rangefinder is equipped with an automatic shutdown function after one and a half minutes, and the power stops after three minutes. The minimum unit of measurement is 1 mm. The equipment runs on two AA batteries. The charge is quite enough to produce about 3 thousand measurements. The diameter of the laser point is 6/30 mm, the largest error does not exceed 0.8-1 mm. There is a built-in sight, and the range of the sight plate is 50 mm; in not very good weather conditions, the figure is reduced to 35 m.

Advantages:

Easy to use;
High indicators of practicality and reliability of the product;
Perfectly suitable for construction and finishing work at a professional level;
A shockproof case is supplied with the device.

Flaws:

There is no socket for attaching a lanyard.

Laser rangefinder Makita LD050P

Bosch GLM 250 VF

The professional device has a fairly long range, which is about 250 meters, and this equipment also has a built-in optical sight that ensures optimal visibility of the laser point. The design has fairly compact overall dimensions, has all the necessary functions for making the necessary measurements and excellent accuracy. The product comes with not only batteries, but also a convenient protective case, with which the device can be protected from dust, moisture or dirt. In addition, with the help of a cover you can protect the product from various mechanical influences; it can be attached to a belt.

The equipment is equipped with a calculator function - it can be used to subtract and add the received data. The rangefinder has a high-definition LCD screen with LED backlighting. Using this product, you can make indirect combined measurements, for example, calculate the length of the roof slope, and such an operation can be carried out from inside the attic. There is a connector for mounting the device on a tripod. The device is capable of operating in a wide temperature range – from -10 to +50 degrees. The case is equipped with an excellent protection system against dust and moisture penetration. The structure is powered by batteries or accumulators.

Advantages:

Leica Disto D510

The product is equipped with a digital viewfinder, a 369-degree inclinometer, and a viewfinder with a maximum four-fold magnification. Using this equipment, you can perform the most accurate measurements in conditions where standard instruments cannot cope. The digital viewfinder allows you to perform all the necessary measurements even in open areas in sunny weather. In the case where the laser beam itself is not visible to the human eye, it will be perfectly displayed on the device’s display. The equipment housing is made on the basis of high-quality composite material of increased strength. In this regard, it is in no way inferior to metal. The design has rubberized inserts, which allows the device to withstand a fall from a height of about 2-3 meters, and it also has a high degree of protection against dust, dirt or moisture getting under the body.

The model is equipped with advanced functionality - not every professional rangefinder can boast of having such a wide variety of capabilities. With its help, area and volume are calculated, various kinds of indirect measurements; it is capable of calculating the area of a trapezoid, triangle, and performing operations with the obtained data. The equipment is compatible with smartphones due to the available special application. Each button press is accompanied by a corresponding sound signal. The body has a so-called positional heel, which allows you to take measurements even in fairly narrow openings.

Advantages:

Very wide functionality of this device;
A significant number of fine settings;
High quality liquid crystal display;
Small overall dimensions and weight;
It is possible to measure walls with deviation from the zero position;
The batteries last for quite a long time.

Flaws:

The measurement button is a little tight, the cost is very high.

Leica DISTO D510 laser rangefinder review

Laser rangefinder Leica Disto D510

Which laser rangefinder is better?

There is no universal model. The best household appliances do not satisfy professionals with their functionality; the owner will not dare to pay 10-12 times more money for a device for a home workshop. The VyborExperta.ru team recommends the following models, taking into account the scope of application:

Bosch GLM 20 Professional – for renovations in a house or city apartment;
RGK D50 is a good choice for building a cottage or summer house;
ADA instruments Cosmo 70 will take its rightful place in the arsenal of the construction team;
Bosch GLM 120 C – indispensable when implementing complex projects;
Leica Camera Disto D2 new – for those who value accuracy;
Condtrol XP3 – the choice of the installer or engineer.

All laser tape measures in our review are worthy of buyers’ attention, but only the most reliable, accurate rangefinders could count on being the best in their category.