10 best laser rangefinders

While developing, new technologies become an integral part of the life of an ordinary person. Their use allows to increase the accuracy, speed and convenience of performing various tasks. In particular, this applies to laser rangefinders or laser tape measures, as such devices are often called in everyday life. However, the similarity between LD and ordinary tape measures lies only in the possibility of measuring the distance, and the former has more functions. So, the best laser rangefinders allow you to quickly take measurements in tens or even hundreds of meters of space. At the same time, the average error of such devices is only 2 mm, and even for simple consumer models it is not too lower.

Top laser rangefinder manufacturers

There are many mediocre Chinese devices on the market. Therefore, the buyer needs to know which brands deserve attention. We can single out the five best manufacturing firms:

• Makita... Japanese firm founded in 1915. The company produces professional-grade tools that are distinguished by a high price and the same quality.
• ADA... A young manufacturer who just recently celebrated its tenth anniversary. Of the main advantages, a good combination of price and functionality can be noted. ADA Instruments devices are designed and manufactured in Asia, Europe and the USA.
• Bosch... One of the oldest European brands known to consumers all over the world. The company offers both professional and home appliances.
• Condtrol... Russian trade mark, competing on equal terms with the largest manufacturers of laser rangefinders. Accurate measurements, attractive price and up to 3 years warranty.
• Leica... The average consumer is known for this brand thanks to cameras. However, the company's specialization covers much more areas related to precision mechanics instruments and optical systems. The company also offers laser rangefinders capable of boasting impressive accuracy.

Best inexpensive laser rangefinders

Before choosing a device, it is necessary to clearly define the tasks for which it will be used. Rangefinders can be conventionally divided into 2 groups - professional and household. In this category, we will consider the second class of devices. They differ from advanced solutions in a shorter maximum measuring distance, simplified functionality and, in some cases, slightly reduced accuracy. We recommend choosing inexpensive range finders for home repairs and other simple tasks.

The speed of measurements depends on the class of the device, usually not taking more than 2-3 seconds. Having decided to choose a quality rangefinder, you can also record the measured data, using them to calculate the distance, area or volume on the device itself.

1. Condtrol SMART 20

Inexpensive rangefinder SMART 20 from Condtrol is an excellent solution for measuring distances indoors. The minimum and maximum measurement distances in the monitored model are 20 cm and 20 m respectively. The error declared by the manufacturer does not exceed 3 mm, which is excellent for a device with a price of 21 $.
The SMART 20 is powered by a pair of AAA batteries (included).

The popular rangefinder for home use is equipped with two buttons. One of them is responsible for switching on, measuring and continuously measuring the distance. With the help of the second, you can delete the previous value (in total, the display shows two), and also turn off the device.However, the rangefinder can also be turned off automatically.

Advantages:

• measurement speed;
• compact size;
• ease of use;
• automatic shutdown;
• work from two AAA-batteries.

2. ADA instruments COSMO MINI

An excellent rangefinder without unnecessary bells and whistles, allowing you to quickly take measurements. COSMO MINI can measure distances up to 30 meters with an error of about 0.01%. Of the useful possibilities, here are the calculation of the volume of the room and the area of ​​the object, as well as the Pythagoras function and continuous measurement.

One of the best laser rangefinders in its price category has IP54 certification, so the device is not afraid of fine dust, as well as splashes falling on it in any direction. Also, the ADA Instruments COSMO MINI case boasts shock resistance. The device screen turns off after 60 seconds of inactivity; the rangefinder itself - after 2 minutes.

Advantages:

• convenient and simple control;
• measurement speed;
• all basic functions;
• small size and weight;
• high-quality display.

Disadvantages:

• no cover included.

3. Condtrol SMART 60

Compactness, lightness and excellent functionality - this is what can be said about the SMART 60 model. Condtrol has clearly done a great job on this product, so buyers practically do not find any flaws in it. The reliable SMART 60 rangefinder is very compact and weighs only 83 grams. The device has a three-line screen, has a bright backlight, which is enough even on a sunny day. The maximum measurement range without a reflector in the advanced Condtrol rangefinder is 60 meters with an error of 1.5 millimeters. It also has a bubble level function.

Advantages:

• calculates area, volume, distance;
• complete with case and strap;
• lightweight, compact and durable body;
• takes measurements from 5 centimeters;
• measurement range;
• official 3-year warranty.

4. BOSCH GLM 20 Professional

What is the best rangefinder to buy if you need ultimate simplicity and reliability? Bosch GLM 20 Professional, of course. This is an excellent device, despite the name, it is ideal for home use. But for professional tasks, you should purchase something more functional. The device is equipped with just one button, which is responsible for measuring, and for selecting units (meters / feet), and for locking. The rangefinder turns off automatically, and it works on a pair of batteries of the popular AAA format.

Advantages:

• dust and moisture protection IP54;
• high-quality case;
• compact size;
• fast (about 0.5 s);
• high accuracy.

Disadvantages:

• no sound signal;
• measuring range of 20 meters.

5.ADA instruments COSMO 70

The best rangefinder in the price-quality ratio from the ADA brand is in the lead in the first category. The COSMO 70 is well built and well thought out. Although it is not the most advanced device in the manufacturer's range, it is not as simple as the COSMO MINI. Home craftsmen will certainly appreciate the ability to measure distances from only 5 centimeters to 70 meters. The COSMO 70 has an accuracy of 1.5 mm.

However, it should be borne in mind that a household rangefinder from ADA Instruments will not always cope with long distances without a complete target. In case of problems, the device will display an error on the screen, but only in the form of its code, which will require searching for the necessary information in the complete documentation. But COSMO 70 can quickly calculate area and volume, add and subtract, and also perform other functions useful for craftsmen.

Advantages:

• maximum distance;
• excellent functionality;
• change at an angle;
• impact protection;
• reasoned price tag.

Disadvantages:

• insufficiently bright display.

Best professional laser rangefinders

Laser rangefinders for professionals, like inexpensive models, are also divided into several groups. The most advanced options are capable of measuring even segments of a couple of millimeters in length, and the maximum distance for them is limited to hundreds of meters. The accuracy of such devices is higher (up to 1 mm). The capabilities of top-end instruments are also more extensive, and some rangefinders in this category offer features unique to the market.

1.BOSCH GLM 500

Bosch GLM 500 opens the TOP of professional rangefinders. This is a small and light (only 100 grams with batteries) device. The screen here is colored, which makes it easier to read information from it. Depending on the orientation of the instrument, the display “rotates” for convenient use.

The design of the GLM 500 is similar to the GLM 50 C. Externally, the devices differ only in the model name on the case. But the latter is functionally better, including the presence of a Bluetooth module in it.

The range and measurement accuracy of the Bosch rangefinder is up to 50 meters and 1.5 mm in standard conditions and up to 20 meters and 3 mm in unfavorable conditions. The time required for the device to take measurements does not exceed 4 seconds.
The operating temperature of the GLM 500, declared by the manufacturer, is in the range from minus 10 to plus 45 degrees Celsius; storage - from minus 20 to 70 above zero. Also, the device can change the tilt angle with an accuracy of 0.2 degrees.

Advantages:

• 2 year warranty;
• recording of 20 measurements;
• tripod thread;
• measurement accuracy;
• IP54 certification reliably protects against dust and moisture;
• decent functionality.

Disadvantages:

• no cover included.

2.ADA instruments COSMO 120 Video

The functional model of the laser rangefinder COSMO 120 Video is one of the best solutions in the range of ADA. It combines digital physics with 3x zoom and a tilt sensor. The first allows for accurate measurements in adverse lighting conditions. The second is necessary to correctly determine the horizontal distance (even through obstacles) and the angle of inclination of surfaces. A professional rangefinder can transmit all measurements to a mobile device via built-in Bluetooth. As for the range, it is one of the best on the market - 120 meters. In this case, the error is not great, and is only one and a half millimeters.

Advantages:

• thoughtful interface;
• convenient control;
• the presence of a Bluetooth module;
• cost from 108 $;
• response speed;
• impressive set of functions.

Disadvantages:

• the tilt sensor is not always accurate.

3. FLUKE 424D

The FLUKE 424D allows measurements up to 80 or 100 meters without and with a reflector, respectively. The rangefinder can read volume, area, angles, as well as tilt and height. Continuous measurement can be enabled if required. The built-in memory of the FLUKE laser rangefinder is designed for 20 records. Measurements can be subtracted and added, minimum and maximum values ​​determined.

The manufacturer equips the rangefinder with a convenient carrying case.

The device is equipped with a bright 4-line display, compass, timer and positioning bracket. Like the competition, the 424D is IP54 dust and splash resistant. The measurement accuracy of the monitored model is one of the best in its class - 1 mm. The rangefinder is trying with two AAA batteries (included), which, if desired, can be replaced with similar batteries.

Advantages:

• keypad lock;
• strap and case included;
• dust protection;
• memory for up to 20 last measurements;
• reliability and durability in work;
• the presence of a timer and compass;
• high measurement accuracy.

Disadvantages:

• average cost 252 $.

4. Leica DISTO D2 NEW

An updated version of the best model of the Leica brand rangefinder - DISTO D2. A distinctive feature of this device is the presence of a Bluetooth module, which makes it easier to work with measurements. To do this, you need to install the proprietary software on your smartphone, after which you can mark the distances on the pictures of the room with exact values ​​and signatures. This is especially useful for pros who work on multiple sites and need to report back to their customers regularly. This saves a lot of time compared to the traditional approach. In addition, thanks to its high accuracy (1.5 mm), range (100 meters) and impressive functionality, the Leica DISTO D2 NEW laser rangefinder is one of the best professional solutions up to 210 $.

Advantages:

• a wide range of possibilities;
• hinged bracket with auto-detection;
• chic functionality;
• two-year manufacturer's warranty;
• range and accuracy of work;
• connection to a smartphone via Bluetooth.

five.Makita LD100P

The rangefinder from Makita rounds off the review. This device is excellent for use on construction and installation sites. One of the main advantages of the LD100P is the informative 4-line display. The only thing that can disappoint in it is not the brightest backlight (especially against the background of competing devices).

The working range of the device is from 0.5 to 100 m. The permissible error is 1.5 mm.

The device has rich functionality: measuring the distance according to the Pythagorean theorem, determining the area and volume of a room, measuring the angle of the room, as well as adding, subtracting and marking. An important advantage of this laser rangefinder according to user reviews is the ability to remember the last 20 measurements.

Advantages:

• body with rubber pads;
• carrying case included;
• excellent functionality;
• the presence of a positioning bracket;
• convenient 4-line screen;
• measuring range up to 100 m.

Disadvantages:

• not high enough brightness.

Which rangefinder is better to choose

First of all, decide on the tasks that you need to complete. If only household measurements at short distances are required, then the SMART 20 from Condtrol or the GLM 20 Professional from Bosch is sufficient. Tasks more serious, simple masters can perform with the help of ADA Instruments COSMO 70. For professionals, we have added a separate category to the rating of the best laser rangefinders. The Leica DISTO D2 NEW and the FLUKE 424D stand out in particular.