To measure the distance between two points quickly and precisely to the inch, here are the best laser distance meters on the market of the most reliable brands and how to choose which to buy based on your needs.
To date, most simple and complex measurements, both for small and large construction works and for DIY, are carried out using laser distance measures. By positioning the device at a point and activating the laser, you can determine the endpoint and get the exact distance directly on the laser distance measure screen.
Laser distance measure allows different information to be obtained, as they offer many features and the ability to measure in inches, feet, and many other measurement units. The precision laser distance measures offer calculating distance, area, volume, and more advanced geometries, such as the roofs’ slope.
Thanks to laser technology, the accuracy of the measurements is guaranteed, as is the measurement itself’s speed as the second great advantage of these devices.
Moreover, measuring distances up to 490 feet is possible, with a precision that can vary from 0.04 to 0.1 inches. The best laser distance measures also have internal memory to save the measurements made and to be able to download them later on the App.
Table of Contents
How to choose a laser distance measure: Types and Features
To correctly choose the best laser distance measure to buy, it is necessary to understand its own measurement needs, the flow rate, the number of measurements, the need to obtain complex measurements, and any other functionalities.
Functionality and Types of Measurement
Professional laser distance measures have many features. The first and main function is calculating the length, which is a simple distance between two points.
Another important function is calculating the total area between length and width, such as the wall or surface area. It is also possible to calculate the volume of space between length, width, and height, such as water volume in a swimming pool.
Many other more complex functions can be beneficial in certain cases.
Let’s see together. What are the main functions and their purpose?
- Continuous measurement function: take measurements along a path from a wall or door, for example: for the edge of a lawn or check the property line.
- Min/max measurement function: calculate shorter or longer distances starting from a fixed reference point.
- Multi-surface function: measure the total area of several surfaces with a common width or height, such as walls or land plots.
- Pythagoras function: detect height or width indirectly from a distance.
- Trapezoid function: measure inclined surfaces, such as ceilings or roofs.
- Stakeout function: calculate the same length repeatedly. It is used to install, for example, fence posts.
- Angle measurement function: measure the angle between two surfaces, such as the inclination of the roof or angles narrower or wider than 90 degrees.
Scope of the measurement
Despite the advanced technology, laser distance measures, like the old manual tape meters, have distance limits that can measure. The range varies from model to model. An inexpensive laser distance measure can vary from 65 to 130 feet away; professional models are more expensive. They can reach and exceed 490 feet. Usually, the best mid-range laser distance measure has a range that can reach 195 or 295 feet.
Accuracy and precision
The laser distance measure calculates and provides measurements with an excellent degree of accuracy. The devices use precise optics and lasers to calculate the distance, comparing the projected laser’s physical distance, and the same ray takes time to return.
To achieve optimum measurement accuracy, holding the position well and keeping the laser still is always important. Most of the best laser distance measures on the market perform measurements with an accuracy varying from 0.04 to 0.1 inches. Generally, high-end feet will be more precise, but even the cheaper ones will always provide more accurate measurements than a manual meter.
Memory and Display
The best laser distance measures can store the various measurements taken. The storage number can vary up to 50 recordings. Some devices, such as high-end devices, can also store images recorded with the laser.
The measurements are taken, and one can then view those saved directly on display on the laser distance measure itself; in many models, these displays are backlit to allow easy viewing.
The LCD displays on the laser distance measure allow information to be displayed usually on different lines, up to 4, for a quick and immediate consultation. It is also necessary to distinguish between the measurements that can be saved and displayed directly on the laser distance measure display and those that can be saved and displayed with the App.
Thanks to the App, some laser distance measures can store and display up to 700 images. Memory can be an element of fundamental importance if the laser distance measure is used for professional purposes: a good memory and the possibility of using the app can improve and facilitate the work.
Battery life
Disposable batteries or rechargeable batteries power laser distance measures. Battery life depends mainly on the number of measurements and the type of measurements taken. Most laser meters on the market require two or four disposable 1.5V (AAA) batteries or 3.7V rechargeable batteries.
Some laser distance measures also feature an automatic shut-off function after 20 seconds of non-use or standby; these are beneficial functions to save battery consumption.
Material
Can build laser distance measures with different materials. The cheaper models in hard plastic to the high-end meters in extremely resistant materials. The best laser distance measures are impact-resistant materials or have an external protective shell. Also, some models have dust and shock protection.
Finally, there are also waterproof laser meters on the market. Even the construction material will be decisive in choosing prolonged use and certain environmental conditions.
Other characteristics
The best models on the market have some accessories that can add value to the product. For example, almost all laser distance measures have a case, which allows them to be transported and protected, and a strap facilitates transport during their use. Furthermore, the batteries, rechargeable or not, are usually included.
A series of additional accessories can make the measurement more precise, such as the viewfinder or integrated camera with up to 5-megapixel zoom.
Some laser distance measures are then sold with a rod to reach and measure even difficult-to-access points with precision or a tripod to measure the greatest distances with extreme precision.
They can have a tilt sensor that can be rotated up to 360°. The more advanced models provide a dedicated App: in this case, the detector will have Bluetooth or a micro-USB cable to transfer the measurements directly to the App.
The Best Laser Distance Measures to Buy
Below is the selection of laser distance measures recommended for value for money with the most important technical features.
- ★ HIGH ACCURACY & UNIT SWITCHABLE ★ With unique 2 Bubble Levels, providing more...
- ★ LCD BACKLIGHT & MUTE SETTING ★ Large backlight screen provides you with a better...
- ★ MULTIPLE MEASUREMENT FEATURES ★ Area, distance, length, volume, continuous...
- EASY-TO-USE: Simple, user-friendly layout features two-button operation: one for...
- ACCURATE: Features long range measuring with extreme accuracy and measures distances up to...
- DISPLAY: Features a backlit display with large icons that allows measurements to be easily...
- ▲HIGH ACCURACY - With laser precision technology, accuracy ups to ±1/16inch, measuring...
- ▲LCD BACKLIGHT AND MUTE SETTING - Large backlight screen provides you with a better...
- ▲MULTIPLE MEASUREMENT FEATURES - Area, distance, length, volume, continuous measurement,...
- VERSATILE MEASUREMENT RANGE: Measures from 2-Inch up to 100-Feet with an accuracy of...
- PORTABLE DESIGN: Lightweight with a pocket clip, making it convenient to carry around the...
- SINGLE AND CONTINUOUS MEASUREMENT: Capture single-distance or continuous measurements with...
- Digital Angle and Electronic Level Control: With digital angle, the angle of the...
- 99 Sets Data Record: With more data storage space (other products have only about 30), 99...
- Durable and Compact Design: IP54 waterproof and dustproof for maximum protection of laser...
- ACCURACY: The laser distance measure can measure up to 165 feet and provides accuracy up...
- EASY-TO-USE: Simply press the button once to begin measuring. The GLM165-40 is compact...
- LIVE MEASURING: Provides default real time measurement that adjusts as you move closer and...
- 【HIGH ACCURACY AND STABILITY】Using advanced laser technology and high-definition...
- 【LARGE LCD BACKLIGHT & EASY TO USE】 -Clear and easy-to-read display, even in low light...
- 【MULTIPLE MEASUREMENT FUNCTIONS】 Area, distance, length, volume, continuous...
- 165ft durable rubber overmold reinforced housing green-beam laser measure – features an...
- Easy-to-read backlit color display – illuminates numbers with distinct resolution, for...
- Green-beam laser – generates a point/dot that’s up to 4X brighter than standard red...
- Red Dot Award Design: The Patented Mini Yellow Ring is made of rubber paint material with...
- Bluetooth Connection: Laser tape measure connects to the Mi Home app via Bluetooth to...
- Low Power OLED Screen: Laser measurement tool equipped with patented low power OLED...
- BACKLIT DISPLAY: The laser distance measure features an easy-to-see backlit display...
- FUNCTIONS: The laser distance measure functions include real-time length, length, area and...
- DEFAULT REAL-TIME MEASUREMENT: This shows how distances move in relation to the target.
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