--- title: "Best Laser Tape Measures of 2026, Tested and Reviewed" description: "We put nine of the best laser tape measures to the test over several weeks. Here's how the top models performed on the job site." date: "2025-04-14" modified: "2025-04-14" authors: - name: "Drew Conover" job_title: "Contributor" link: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/authors/drew-conover/" url: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-laser-tape-measures/" categories: - "Gear" tags: - "Evergreen" - "Gear Reviews" --- # Best Laser Tape Measures of 2026, Tested and Reviewed ![laser tape measures]() Some of my earliest memories are of me “helping” my dad and my grandfather build an addition onto my grandparents’ home. There are pictures of me swinging a hammer while I was still in diapers. One of the first things my family taught me about construction was how to use a measuring tape. Measurements would be called out, and I would measure and mark the boards that needed to be cut. I quickly learned that accurate measurements are a critical part of building. And for decades, I just used a tried-and-true measuring tape and did my numbers on a scrap board. Now, however, there are tools like the best laser tape measures that make work faster and more accurate. Many can do all the calculations for area, volume, and square for you. For both pro builders doing estimates and for the DIY guy, laser tape measures are a modern marvel. No more stretching out your tape only to have it collapse or sending someone up a ladder to hold the other end. Just point, click, and you have your measurement. **Best Laser Tape Measures** - **Best Overall:** [Leica DISTO D2]() - **Best Laser:** [Klein Tools 93LDM200]() - **Best Budget Laser Measure:** [Atolla T201]() - **Easiest to Use:** [Bosch GLM165-22]() - **Best Features:** [DeWalt DW0165N]() - [Prexiso PLT40LI]() - [Milwaukee Laser Distance Meter]() - [Klein Tools 93LDM100C]() - [HOTO Smart Laser Measure]() ## How I Tested the Best Laser Tape Measures I put nine laser tape measures to the test over the course of several weeks. Models ranged from super-simple one button units that just give you a measurement, to multi-functional tools that have up to 15 modes for all kinds of measurements. The most advanced models can even add rooms together and log all your measurements. I tested each of the functions before reading the manual to see which were the most intuitive to use, and I compared several measurements between them all to see how close they were to each other. I also evaluated which laser measurers had the brightest lasers, displays that were easy to read, and how they worked outside in direct and indirect sunlight. The competition was very close for several of these tools, but there were standouts. ## The Best Laser Tape Measures, Reviews and Recommendations ### Best Overall: [Leica DISTO D2]() The [Leica DISTO D2]() is my pick for the best overall because it is packed with features, it's easy to use, and it measures about twice the distance of the other tools in the test. With the DISTO Plan App, you can greatly expand the capabilities of the tool. Finding the floor area of irregularly shaped rooms or multiple walls is easy, and staking out studs or windows or posts is easy work. Of course, the primary function of these tools is to find a distance, and the DISTO D2 gave very fast and accurate measurements from any position. There is a tab that folds out on the bottom at 90 degrees so that you can “hook” it on boards or corners and shoot the distance without trying to line it up, and that same tab folds straight back so that you can put it in an interior corner or other tight spot for an accurate distance or if you are measuring to find square. The tool automatically adjusts for the tab to give the correct measurement when folded back. Gone are the days of giving inside corners your best guess with a traditional tape. The Leica did the best outside in direct sun, but I don’t recommend any of these for that type of use since even the Leica lost much of its range and accuracy in direct sun. Cloudy days are much better, but the laser is still hard to pick out outdoors. These all perform best indoors, and the Leica DISTO D2 is the best of the test, so long as you don’t mind spending the extra money. ### Best Laser: [Klein Tools 93LDM200]() The [Klein Tools 93LDM200]() is the only tool in the test with a green laser, and it was by far the brightest and easiest to see at farther distances. It also had the second-best distance rating in the test. There was never any guessing about where you were pointed as the green laser was easy to spot as soon as you turned the unit on. The Klein was good for finding area, volume, distance, and was able to find a few indirect measurements using triangulation like many of the others. The screen is bright and easy to use, and that coupled with the bright laser is probably why the battery life suffers a bit. That being said, it should easily last a full work day or two on a charge, even with heavy use. I like the USB charging because I can charge in my truck or on site when I’m not using it, and I don’t have to worry about keeping batteries around. The belt holster will accept the tool forward and backward, right side up, or upside down, and has a nice secure fit. The tool is easy to navigate, but you will have to know what the icons mean because there is no accompanying text. Overall, the Klein is a solid option that’s accurate and fast, and has a great laser, which is especially useful if you have aging eyes. ### Best Budget Laser Measure: [Atolla T201]() [Atolla T201]() will only set you back about $30, and you get the features and functionality of more expensive units. So what’s the trade off? No warranty, and it feels like it wouldn’t survive more than a couple drops. But, if you are tight on cash, and you are careful with your equipment, the Atolla T201 is worth considering. The area and volume functions worked well, and I didn’t have any functionality issues with it. Some of the price savings comes by not including a pouch or holster or pocket clip, but the hard plastic easily slides in and out of your pocket, or into your tool belt. For standing the tool up, I noticed it rocked back and forth a bit, so I generally had to hold and aim it. I couldn’t just let it sit and measure. ### Easiest to Use: [Bosch GLM165-22]() The [Bosch GLM165-22]() was the easiest to use without any instructions. The menus and functions are well thought out, and very easy to access. With the on-screen instructions and prompts, I could get full functionality without a manual. Changing between the different functions is easy and intuitive, and buttons are clearly labeled. The Bosch GLM165-22 is also accurate and easy to keep on you. It was in strong contention for my overall pick, but the Leica edged it out with the greater distance and slightly faster measurements. The Bosch has a beefy plastic chassis with a rubberized overmold that feels like it would hold up well at the jobsite. The pocket clip is a nice feature and holds the tool securely, but you can also use the included belt pouch if you would prefer. The Bosch also has Bluetooth and with the MeasureOn App, you can make floorplans and store notes and measurements for all your projects. If you don’t need the extra distance of the Leica, the Bosch will save you some money, and it brings the same features. Overall, it’s a great unit and the most intuitive to use, and well worth the price. ### Best Features: [DeWalt DW0165N]() The [DeWalt DW0165N]() is jam packed with 15 modes and also has the corner tab for inside and outside corners. It has about twice as many functions in the menu compared to the other tools in this test. For some of the functions, such as finding unknown measurements using Pythagorean calculations, the on-screen angle indicator is a huge help. It's also valuable for finding angle and pitches and even leveling. The DeWalt also has the folding tab at the rear that allows for inside and outside corners, and it automatically compensates when the tab is straight out, which adds to the versatility. With more features comes more complexity. I did need to read the instructions, which I don’t like doing. But, if you don’t want to use an app for added features, the DeWalt will add multiple walls and floors together if you need. If this was your main tool, I’m sure it would get easier with some reps, but for the more complicated calculations I would rather use paper and pencil or an app. The DeWalt was the biggest laser measure of the group, but it’s not so big that it’s a hindrance. The measurements take longer to come back than the other units. If the extra features are your thing or an angle indicator is important, the DeWalt DW0165N is made for you. ### [Prexiso PLT40LI]() The [Prexiso PLT40LI]() is a great concept: A tried-and-true classic tape measure combined with a laser measure for extended distances and on-board math. It has a bright screen, and an easy-to-navigate interface. This should be a winner, but I think that these two things are harder to merge than anticipated. Traditional tapes have to roll up, and their general design doesn’t really blend well with making an ergonomic laser measure. ![prexiso]() *The Prexiso laser measure screen. Photo by Drew Conover* The laser unit works well, and it spits out accurate areas and volumes and distances, but the bulk and shape make holding it in place for laser measurements less than ideal. And, there is a big warning to retract the tape slowly so you don’t damage the laser and sensor. This is a good tool, and I really like the idea of combining these two concepts. Even with the awkward ergos, I was still able to get the measurements I needed. Plus laser measures aren’t ideal for every measurement, so it's great having the tape there for certain tasks. Overall, the Prexiso is an awesome idea with average execution. ### [Milwaukee Laser Distance Meter]() The [Milwaukee]() is a solid laser measure with a clear display and a few basic features that gets the job done quickly and accurately. It gave me quick and accurate measurements, and is one of only three tested that have a tab or arm that extends out for measuring from inside corners, which is a great feature. It has a button to shoot the laser on the front, and one on the side, which can be helpful when holding this overhead or in some tight spots. The box and manuals say this tool has a “simplified user interface”, which I found to be true, but it seems part of keeping it simple was axing some capability. Realistically, it has the functions that I would want, including length, surface area, volume, and total area. However, other models had more functions for less money. My only concern on this is the battery cover which feels cheap. Also, the plastic is very thin, and the tabs that hold the bottom in are tiny. It seems like it would pop off easily if dropped. I do like that there is a dedicated button for switching between measuring from the front of the tool to the back of the tool. Many others require a menu to change that. I also really like the display which is bright even in direct sun and the numbers are large and easy to read. ### [Klein Tools 93LDM100C]() The [Klein Tools Compact Laser measure]() is a straightforward, easy-to-use measuring tool. It's basically a digital tape measure. It's simple, small, and effective. If you just want to know basic distances, and you don’t need all the area and volume and angle finding and floor planning and apps, this is a great choice. It will only tell you how far away something is—so long as it’s less than 100 feet. One button is nice and simple, but to toggle from the front to rear for measuring, you’ll need a quick double press. To cycle through units of measurement, you need to press and hold. Klein Tools are made with electricians in mind, and for someone just looking to take some quick measurements for conduit runs or estimate how much wire they will need, or where to locate a box, the compact laser measure is faster and easier to use than a tape, and it fits in your shirt pocket. ### [HOTO Smart Laser Measure]() The [HOTO Smart Laser Measure]() is designed for interior decorating, furniture placement, and getting general room size measurements. This is not a tool that a contractor would want to carry, but it would be great for a homeowner or decorator that wants quick measurements without stretching out a tape. My biggest gripe with the HOTO is the screen, which is hard to see. Even when I can see the dim numbers, they seem almost soft and fuzzy, not crisp and clean. But still, the readouts should be better. The measurements I got with this fell mostly in line with the others, but always seemed to be on the long end of the spectrum. ### FAQ ## Final Thoughts on the Best Laser Tape Measures Laser distance measures are great tools that can really speed up a job, especially if you are doing most of your projects by yourself, like me. I can’t remember how many times I have struggled trying to get a tape across a room or wall, just to have it snap and drop right before I got it hooked. These tools make those measurements faster and easier, and for the work of finding area and estimating jobs, they are invaluable. Standard tapes still have a place, but laser tape measures are a welcome addition and have changed how I work. They have earned a permanent place on my tool belt. ## Author Drew Conover is a contributor at *Outdoor Life*. He writes mostly gear reviews and how-to articles on survival and navigation. He lives in Upstate New York with his wife, two daughters, and a goofy dog. ### Author social links [Instagram]()