5 Best Laser Distance Measure Tools
Using a measuring tape is fine. But when you need accuracy, we recommend you upgrade to a digital laser measure. We review our five favourite brands.
- By Reece Thompson
- Last Updated: December 2020
How we decided on the best laser distance measuring tool?
Let’s get to it: Bosch dominates this space and is our go-to option when we need a replacement.
If you plan to position your furniture, you need an accurate measurement of the space. Using a traditional tape measure in such a scenario will cost you both time and efficiency.
Whether you have to measure something within touching distance or every corner of the house, this is the perfect addition to your toolbox.
Don’t waste your time – buckle up and go through our list to make your measuring experience time effective. As you make up your mind, you should know the features of a digital tape measure from a traditional one.
Laser measurements operate by calculating the time of travel, i.e., how long the laser beam aimed at it takes for the target to reflect.
For example, the tool works by calculating how long it takes for the laser beam to reach the wall and bounce back to the unit.
In measurable units, it delivers the distance.
If you’re doing lots of measurements and need things to be super accurate, then yes, it’s definitely worth the extra spend.
If you get a tool from a legitimate brand, accuracy isn’t going to be a concern.
Look for a tool accredited by ISO 16331-1. If you buy a Chinese knock-off brand, well, you’re not likely to get one that is accurate.
It depends. An optical scope or automated point finder is a must if you’re operating outside.
A laser point can be seen at a total distance of approximately 30 feet on a clear day.
If you’re working outside and the measured distance is beyond 30 feet, you’ll need a more professional-grade tool.
Our Top Rated Electronic Laser Measuring Tapes
Bosch PLR 30 C
Bosch is the most acclaimed digital tape, and they always strive to live up to their reputation. They always focus on quality and customer satisfaction over anything else.
This one is good for decorators. If you need to determine the quantity of wallpaper or paint for a room, this measures accurately. The Bosch’s PLR 30C is number one on our list for all the right reasons.
PROS
- Option to choose the front or rear edge as the initial point of measuring
- Top quality laser technology provides higher accuracy level
- Strong Bluetooth connectivity
CONS
- Considered to be too pricey by many.
Makita LD030P
Here comes a very easy-to-use, top-quality digital tape measure that you won’t wish to miss out! It’s reliable and this is another addition to boost their already high reputation. Designed for indoor, this product will be a huge incentive to make your struggle easier.
PROS
- High level accuracy for maximum precision
- IP54 rated dust & water resistance
CONS
- Low display brightness
- No pouch in some cases.
Bosch GLM 40
Bosch has been a leader in introducing newer and high-quality laser tape measures. As you search for digital tape measures, you should consider this product if an easy experience is your priority.
This laser tape measure is suitable for indoor use and professional purposes. If you’re renovating your house, then this laser measure is a must to estimate your measures.
PROS
- IP54 rated dust and splash protection
- User friendliness
- Rechargeable battery
CONS
- Poor Bluetooth connectivity
- No USB Port.
Dewalt DW033-XJ
It would be an ideal choice for anyone seeking a combination of a light and accurate tape measure. The black display features white letters that are readable. This is a top-notch product available at the best price.
PROS
- Lightweight design enables easy portability
- Displays readings in both mm & inches
- Single button operation
CONS
- No clear instructions for unit conversion
- Might be hard to familiarize with single button function.
Tacklife HD-60 Classic
If you are looking for a digital tape measure that can be for a wide variety, then this would be the most appropriate. Ranging from household to construction or city planning – this will stick to you. An innovative ergonomic structure and fast nature will give you the best experience.
PROS
- Continuous scope of measurement
- Auto power off option after 150 seconds
- Mute option
CONS
- Numbers and letters shown on display screen are too small
- Hardly covers more a long range in sunlight.
How We Decided On Our Winner
Most use traditional tape measures, not be that accustomed to using a digital or laser tape measure to meet our needs. So, making the right move might seem challenging. Our comparative analysis has made us choose Bosch’s PLR 30C to be the best digital tape measure out there!
It’s the ability to provide an accurate measure, integrated functions enabling volume and area calculations. And its high-quality colour display makes it stand out from others. Yet, you may settle for any of the products on our list as our researched list of products would not disappoint you!
FAQ and Buying Guide
The distinction between Traditional and Digital Tape Measure
As it uses laser technology, a digital tape measure’s known as a laser tape measure. A digital tape measure functions by throwing a laser beam from a point to a target. It takes into account the time needed for the light to reflect off the target and return to the initial point – ensuring accuracy.
There is no hassle of manual calculation as you will see the digital readings on the display. You won’t need a hand as you use a laser tape measure to read long ranges, you alone will be able to measure your distance!
So, you will, in most cases, need help at the other end as you use a traditional tape measure. Regardless, you will always feel concerned about the accuracy of your measurement. Meanwhile, there lies a risk of miscalculating as a conventional tape measure might bend.
A feature that differentiates digital from a traditional is the former’s usability in lit conditions backed by its display and laser. To avoid obstruction while you are working at night or under dim light, your vote should be for a digital.
What to Look For?
While drawing a comparison, we need to be sure about some specific features. Some of the crucial properties that we should take note of before finalising our digital tape measures are:
- Accuracy & range
- Clarity of display
- Durability
- Price
- Protection rating provided by manufacturers.
You may find some other features to focus on, but the ones mentioned above will be enough to keep you on track!
How to Use a Digital Tape Measure?
As we’re aware of the advantages of digital over the traditional ones, we need to know the best way to use them. Once you’re done choosing your desired tape measure, you should follow some steps.
- Step 1: The first step is to ensure proper placement of the device on one end of the thing that you wish to measure. Doing so would increase the precision level of your measurement
- Step 2: Then you need to aim the laser beam at the other end so that your targeted objected gets hit by the laser.
- Step 3: After positioning the laser, you should press the button to allow the tape measure to calculate the distance and display it on the screen
Caution! Following these simple steps, you will be able to calculate your desired distance. Yet, aiming the laser beam at your desired object might be a daunting task in case of long-distance.
In such cases, you might need help at the other end to make the beam fall on the right spot. Though there is a common idea that digital tape measures are too complex compared to their traditional counterparts. You will realise from our list of top 5 digital tape measures that this is far from the fact!
To give you a clearer idea on how to use your digital tape measure, YouTube link to an easy to comprehend user’s hack’s below: