Laser Distance Meter (LDM), Laser Rangefinder, and Laser Telemeter are the different names of the same instrument. A laser distance meter uses laser light pulses to measure the distance.
The best laser meter is one that measures distance with high accuracy and requires less expertise.
Why do we need a laser distance meter?
Well, finding distance can be accomplished by many methods. Generally, a Tap meter is used for this purpose. Additionally, some other techniques are also standard among people.
The problem with these ordinary instruments and methods is manifold. Let’s list a few here:
- It is two person’s job
- Need physical toil
- Low Accuracy
- Faulty mechanical methodology of instrument
- Consume more time
Moreover, we often buy laser distance meters from local shops without experience, which further made us pay the price in the form of faulty instruments.
Through this platform, we will share our experience to let you buy the best laser distance meter available in the international market. Of course, the performance of these listed laser distance meters is tested in the field.
If you keep studying this article, we will get the following information:
- The parameters of the best laser distance meter
- List of ideal laser distance meter
- The suggestion of a suitable laser distance tester among the list
- And much more
So be with us throughout the blog…
Choosing the Best Laser Distance Meter
To save time and money, we need to get our hands on the best laser distance meter.
As per our experience in the field, MILESEEY S2-100 is frequently seen as a standard tool for measurement. Accuracy, reasonable range, proper battery performance, additional helpful functions, and durability are factors that make it surpass its competitors. Moreover, the low price makes it an ideal laser distance meter for common people.
However, there are some factors that calculate the effectiveness of laser distance meters. These factors are hereby discussed.
a. Range
The distance from the source to the target is known as the range. Basically, it is used for the purpose of projecting. Here, we mean the effective length a laser distance meter can measure.
The value of the range should be maximum for the best laser tester. However, the range is accurate up to the range described by the manufacturer. Moreover, it depends on the use. For example, for an interior designer, 65ft is enough value. However, outdoor tasks demand more range (no limit).
b. Accuracy
Accuracy is the prime concern for the user. We cannot ignore accuracy as our task depends on the accuracy of our measuring devices. A good laser distance meter must be precise in its reading.
Commonly, an accuracy of ±2 mm and ±1⁄8 inches would be fine. However, we witnessed the value up to ±1/16 inches. Again, these ranges are good enough for our use.
c. Additional Functions
When a single instrument performs different tasks, it is a very good sign for us. A good laser distance meter in the market consists following functions besides its prime job:
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Pythagorean theorem
- Area measurement
- Volume measurement
- Two-dots measurement
- Unit conversion
- And so on
Hence, it is up to the requirement of users to choose among laser distance meter functions that suit their uses.
d. User Friendliness
When users get their required data with ease, they prefer that instrument. We listed laser distance meters which are user-friendly.
Generally, the following things matter in user-friendliness:
- Easy to hold the instrument
- Installed helpful functions
- Easy to read data regardless of conditions
- Durability
- Safety
- Simplicity in use
- Easy to understand
When users get these facilities, it helps to reduce their work. The list we made below obeys the mentioned points.
e. Battery performance
Batteries are the tricky part of every electronic instrument. If batteries do not perform accordingly, the device fails to produce results. Hence, the battery should be one of our prime factors when getting a laser distance meter.
To consume low power, the best laser distance meter must reduce its unwanted functions. Again, we kept this point in mind and avoided the instrument that consumes more power.
Cutting to the chase, let’s find out about the best laser distance meter.
List of Top Laser Distance Meter
We have shortlisted the following reasonable laser distance meter by examining the above parameters. Let’s dive into it without any further delay.
1. BOSCH GLM-50C
BOSCH is known for its accurate instruments. GLM-50C is designed for the purpose of adding simplicity to the work of construction and design workers.
This model can be connected to a phone through Bluetooth. This connectivity makes it an ideal laser distance meter for users.
Salient Features:
- Connectivity with a phone through Bluetooth is one of the amazing features of this model
- Besides measuring distance; volume, area, and angle can also be measured
- Accuracy is ±⅛ inches is quite a satisfactory value
- The display has been designed in such a manner that the readings can be seen explicitly
- Durability is good with indoor tasks.
Summing up, BOSCH GLM-50C (Amazon link) is a good laser distance meter. The model is more suitable for indoor tasks and not ideal for outdoor tasks. Besides this, it is durable, simple, and has a low price. Accuracy is good. You can purchase one by clicking the link.
2. DTAPE DT-100
DTAPE is a prestigious name in instrumentation. DT-100 is commonly known for its multifunctional nature. However, accuracy and durability are also counted when buying one.
To be precise, we suggested it to our clients and got no negative remarks. Let’s dive into some of its main features.
Salient Features:
- This single instrument can measure the Pythagorean Theorem, Area, length, and Volume
- Units can be changed among meters, inches, and feet
- A range of 100 m (328ft) is quite an impressive range
- The auto-shutdown function saves battery performance
- DT-100 is water-proof and dust-proof, hence ideal for rough environment
After looking at these features, one would hardly doubt the capabilities of DTAPE DT-100 (Amazon link). The switching function between units is quite useful. Besides, the model combines many functions in itself that make it hard to ignore. Surprisingly, the price is very low compared to its function.
3. DEWALT DW-099S
The looks may make you hate it but it is a quite durable and healthy instrument. It is simple to use and can be connected through Bluetooth with other devices.
Data can be exported to different software by using Bluetooth. Let’s look at some of its distinguishing features.
Salient Features:
- The range is 100 ft which is enough for an interior designer.
- Simple in operation, no complicated setting
- Connectivity (through Bluetooth) can be commenced by just pressing the push button
- Light weight of 0.31 pounds (140 grams) makes it easy to carry.
- The electronics are secured by durable casing
Durability, simplicity, and connectivity with other devices rank DEWALT DW-099S (Amazon link) among the top spots. In Particular, its durability is highly praised. If one has to get a good laser distance meter, this model can complete his need.
4. MAGPIE VH-80
This model is the first ever bi-directional laser distance meter. Measuring both sides with accuracy, yet the instrument is multifunctional. Additionally, Bluetooth connectivity is also a significant factor that makes it ideal.
VH-80 is a simple tool that gives data in a well-defined manner. A comparative small display reads data more elaborately. Let’s study its few salient features.
Salient Features:
- The two-sided laser decreases the work of the user
- Reading can be shown in meters, feet, and inches
- An accuracy of ±⅛ inches is quite a promising value
- VH-80 is light in weight to carry is 0.71 pounds (~322 grams)
- Bluetooth transfers data to the app for further processing
Summing up, to reduce work VH-80 (Amazon link) is a good option. Besides its flagship dual lasers, the instrument is efficient in reading. In correspondence to that, it is light in weight, low in price, and high in range (262ft).
5. ATOLLA T-201
This multifunctional laser distance meter is a helpful tool in fieldwork. Like other best tools, it engulfed many functions that are necessary for fieldwork.
Generally, the metric system prevails that instrument yet the unit of feet and inches are also available. The tool is simple and straightforward to read. Additionally, it is quite helpful to get the job done in minimum time.
Salient Features:
- The accuracy of ±2mm is quite a promising value
- A low weight of 84 grams is an ideal weight for such a resources rich instrument
- The maximum range is 60 meters. This value is enough for our use.
- The bright display helps to read data in dark
- The instrument is water and dust-proof for outdoor tasks.
By judging these qualities, we can opt for ATOLLA T-201 (Amazon link). Despite its simplicity in use, T-201 can easily rank among other competitors. We found it quite useful for outdoor tasks. Moreover, the price is quite low for such a device.
6. BOSCH GLM-20
Bosch is a prestigious name in electronics. GLM-20 is designed as a pocket tool for construction workers and engineers. Although its range is 65 ft, it is an accurate and simple instrument for measuring distance.
Counting on simplicity, this model can fit in a pocket and weighs less to carry from one place to another.
Salient Features:
- As the range is 65 ft, its accuracy is ± ⅛ inches which is quite a promising value
- We already mentioned that GLM-20 is easy to use and carry, hence it weighs only 0.2 pounds (~90 grams)
- It is a small instrument that can be held in a pocket
- Only one-button operation makes it an ideal laser distance meter for site work.
- The display shows values in feet and inches combination, not in decimal value
Keeping these features in check, BOSCH GLM-20 (Amazon link) made a good spot among other laser distance meters. Despite its low range; construction, and civil engineers use it as a personal tool. Additionally, it is found accurate and efficient despite being simple and small.
7. MILESEEY S2-100
Laser distance meters are sophisticated instruments, but not S2-100. Commonly, this device is known for its durability and user-friendliness in the field. As we know, distance is measured for some sort of construction, thus durability is the prime concern for such a sophisticated instrument.
There is no trade-off between accuracy and durability. S2-100 is equally accurate. Besides its accuracy, let’s dive into some of its main features.
Salient Features:
- While measuring in feet, the accuracy is pretty high is ±1/16 inches
- Unlike other laser distance meters, it provides data in the units of a meter (m), inches (inch), and feet (ft). Moreover, the units are easily switchable.
- This single instrument can measure the Pythagorean Theorem, Area, length, and Volume.
- It can also perform Addition and Subtraction
- For user-friendliness, S2-100 is made water-proof and dust-proof.
Judging from these qualities, there is no doubt that the S2-100 (Amazon link) is considered the most favored instrument of Construction and Civil engineers. It is simple, and durable; and accumulates many functions. Moreover, this could be costly with these functions but instead supplied with a reasonable price.
Conclusion
Summing up the discussion, the best laser distance meter needs to be having the following qualities:
- Have long-range (depending on use)
- High accuracy
- Supplied with additional functional
- Easy to use
- Consume less power
Scrutinizing these objectives, we found MILESEEY S2-100 (Amazon link) a perfect match as per our requirements. This instrument is quite helpful in the field. Moreover, S2-100 can perform many functions that are necessary for fieldwork. The instrument is available at the given link at a reasonable price.
Question Answer Session
Q1: What is the difference between a laser distance meter and a laser rangefinder?
Technically, both work on the same phenomenon and both can be used interchangeably. Moreover, they can be used for the same function.
The main confusion is about the range difference that a laser distance meter ranges low while a laser rangefinder ranges high.
Again, this is not real. Both can be called interchangeably.
Q2: How can we measure distance through a laser distance meter?
It is not rocket science. All we have to do is to point the laser in the direction of the target. The laser distance meter will show us the value of the distance between the laser distance meter and the target.
We have also mentioned in the list that a brand has designed a model of the two-directional laser. For more detail, visit the list we made above.
Q3: Does the laser distance meter work in daylight?
Well, of course, yes. A laser is a strong beam of light that can be detected from a wide length. However, the ranges define the ability of a laser distance meter. For longer ranges, often the ray disperses and we fail to get our readings.
If we are using a laser distance meter with a range of 65 ft, then it would not be accurate for more than 65 ft.
Q4: Are laser distance meters fit for outdoor tasks in a rough environment?
Yes, we have mentioned earlier that these devices (especially those we mentioned in the list) are durable for rough environments. Some of these are designed to be water and dust-proof. Many of these can sustain fall up to several feet.
Consequently, we feel comfortable while using them in outdoor tasks.
Q5: Which color of laser is best in the laser distance meter?
Amazingly, we should not be concerned about the color of the laser in the laser distance meter. Our aim is to find distance and red color is good enough for us. However, if these devices come in different colors of laser, it simply does not matter.
As the change in color means the change in wavelength, which matters only for ranges. It is up to the manufacturer to choose the color suited to the device. We should not be concerned about it.
Other useful posts:
- 7 Best Bluetooth Label Makers (Better organization)
- 7 Best Decibel Meters (for sound and noise detection)
- 7 Best Barcode Printers (for shipping & inventory)
- 5 Best AC Circuit Load Tester
- 7 best book lights for reading in bed
- 7 Best soldering mats
