The best laser measures are so affordable nowadays, there's really no reason to use a traditional, physical tape measure. You get much more accurate results, they're much less fiddly to use, and you can even get help with your calculations. No wonder they're the standard tool for professionals working in construction, surveying, IT networking, and energy fitting.
See also Best laser levels
Laser measures (aka 'laser distance measurers', 'laser distance meters' or 'laser tape measures') take all the hassle out of DIY work, too, by measuring distances precisely, based on the time it takes for a light pulse to be reflected back to the sensor.
Some also offer the ability to store previous measurements, perform area and volume calculations, and/or export measurements to other devices. A few even let you prepare files for export to 3D design software, helping architects to draw accurate plans and game designers to re-create the real world in pixel form.
Even if none of these clever features attract you, though, the best laser measures are still worth investing in. Because it's impossible to underestimate the importance of being accurate when it comes to measuring. It really can make the difference between getting a job done quickly and efficiently, and having to scrap it and start again.
Below, we've carefully curated a selection of the best laser measures on sale today, covering a variety of use cases and a range of budgets. We explain what each has to offer and share the facts and figures you need to choose between them.
The best laser measures in 2023
Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.
The best laser measures can get quite expensive, but if you just want one for a bit of home DIY, here's our recommendation. This device from Mileseey is quite affordable, and does a good job at measuring, with an accuracy of ±0.2mm/±1/16 inch. With a measuring range of between 16cm and 70 feet, it's dust- and splash-proof to IP54 standards, and offers some useful extra functions.
For example, you can just measure the hypotenuse, and the horizontal distance and vertical height are calculated automatically. Or you can measure only two hypotenuses, and the vertical height is calculated automatically.
This device can store up to 20 measurements at one time, and takes two AAA batteries. More expensive models promise more, but for home decoration this is probably all you need.
The maxim in carpentry goes 'measure twice, cut once', and the best laser measure mean you'll get the super-high degree of accuracy you need.
For these purposes, we like the D1. It's elegant and simple to use, with a light-touch keypad and no more buttons than you need. That makes this a great tool for measuring spaces and single lengths of wood, although those working on larger spaces or outdoors might look for a more powerful laser.
It has some advanced features too. Most notably, it's compatible with Leica’s free Disto Plan app which – via Bluetooth and any Apple or Android phone – extends the two-button operation into a full room measurement tool. You can use this to integrate your measurements into project images or job-site sketches.
Here is a different take on the laser measure, which takes the sum distance (plus its own length) from two lasers. This means it can be pointed in three directions from the centre of a room to get all three measurements needed for an estimate of the volume without needing to take a step.
The slight sacrifice is that the device has twice the margin of error that a single laser measure would have. But for contract estimators this is unlikely to be a huge issue. On the plus side, the device has a partner app for both iOS and Android, which can not only assist with area calculations for materials but exports data and sketches in JPEG, PDF & XLS.
The Mileseey S6 is a versatile electronic measure with a long measuring range of 100m, making it more useful in factories and warehouses as well as large apartments and other big spaces. It also offers area, distance, volume and Pythagorean measurements.
It's reasonably robust, with IP54 ingression protection. The rubber body makes for a good grip and drops aren’t much of a concern. A bubble-level is included, as well as electronic inclinometer for those just wanting to quickly check a level, or passing the tool to their older workmate and wanting to side-step a “good old days” lecture.
The Leica Disto S910 shows how much more can be achieved with this technology than simple straight-line measurements. Yes, it's expensive. But there are many for whom it will soon earn the investment back.
The ability to take a series of measurements from a single tripod position using the SmartBase is made easier by the built-in camera’s 4x zoom, used to accurate locate points for precise targeting. Exporting the data as DXF to AutoCAD files is easy thanks to WiFi or Bluetooth, or you can go to the Android/iOS Disto App. There are also an amazing number of complicated area and volume calculation features built in, so you can deliver a verdict on site.
The Bosch GLM400CL Blaze is capable of taking a long measurement on a fairly bright day, but what really sets it apart is the technology it has to back that up. There are a good range of measurements, including (by virtue of the inclinometer) Pythagorean areas, but the icing on the cake is the camera. The camera has two jobs. It helps identify the spot the laser is pointing to more easily, and it records an image with the measurement.
Despite its affordable price, the E7500i seems capable of providing the features required by professional surveyors, along with compatibility with Leica’s Disto app and height tracking.
The IP65 rating means it isn’t just splash-proof but will withstand a jet of water. The system can help with all the area, volume, and Pythagorean calculations you’d hope. In addition, the long range, long-distance measurements are easier to achieve thanks to the 4x zoom digital camera and a feature called Smart Horizontal for circumnavigating obstacles.
The only potential issue is the speed of battery consumption. And of course with any long-range measure a pro would do well to pack a tripod, target and perhaps even laser glasses to be ready for any conditions.
If you need to calculate the height of trees from a distance, the Forestry Pro makes the task a lot easier. It works using an optical monocular finder, and in that respect, has a lot in common with a more professional version of a golfer's laser rangefinder (for comparison, the eye relief is 18mm).
With a magnification of 6x, professionals will find their targets reasonably easily, but there's also the Target Priority Mode to helps find objects in sequence if needed. The memory of 250 measurements lets you cover a lot of ground without getting the note pad out, too, and despite the distance measurements take about 0.3 seconds.
For various reasons, especially at short distances, it’s good to have a traditional tape measure to hand. Putting the laser measure and tape in the same housing might add a bit of bulk, but its logical and practical.
If you like this idea, then we recommend TickTock Tools' Laser Tape Measure. Unlike some other 2-in-1 designs, the rugged housing doesn’t simply bolt the laser measure onto the side, but houses it naturally.
The laser can measure from the front or back (i.e. include its own length in the measurement or not); you use a long-press of the middle button to do this. We don’t love long-press / short-press button uses for simple devices as they can be forgotten between uses, but there isn’t a lot of space on the body for extra buttons! There are also area, volume and Pythagorean calculation modes which, again, come from presses of that button.
Many photographers find themselves lusting after the Leica brand, and the firm have plenty of options in the laser-measure space. This is their most compact: so small it has a removable belt clip, which has a noticeable impact on the size!
It's a good-looking design with IP54 splash proof and a backlit screen. It is relatively pricey, but the screen includes previous and current measurements. Not only that, but you can transmit measurements to your phone via Bluetooth and create floor plans and sketches with the Leica Disto app. While the accuracy is higher than many, the design deliberately doesn’t include features like area calculations, leaving these to the app.
Read more:
The best laser rangefinders
The best thermal imaging cameras
Best thermal binoculars
The best borescopes and inspection cameras
The best infrared thermometers
The best night vision goggles
The best handheld light meters
