If you had to name the most essential tool in any home toolbox, a measuring tape would be high on the list. But what if you had a tool that could measure further, faster and more accurately than your good old tape measure?
A Laser Measure is the most popular type of measuring device used by carpenters, handymen, contractors, homeowners, and do-it-yourself enthusiasts to determine how far away an object or person is from them. Also known as a laser rangefinder or laser distance measurer, it measures objects in three dimensions using time-of-flight technology that calculates the distance between it and the target based on when light bounces off the surface of the target back to the sensor.
Laser distance measuring technology has been around for several years now and there are a wide variety of products on the market.
As a surveyor, I’m always on the lookout for tools to make measuring simpler and easier. To help you navigate the various models of laser measures available, I have narrowed down and reviewed my favourite laser measures for sale in Australia.
In a hurry to get measuring? My favourite laser measure is the Bosch Zamo III for its ability to perform a range of accurate measurement tasks. Check it out on Amazon AU
Best Laser Measure Australia 2023 Comparison Guide
Here is a comparison chart to help you select the best laser measure for your needs. Use this table to compare the features of each laser distance meter and if you would like to read more information about a product or check the current price click on the name of the product.
ACCURACY
CONNECTIVITY
Compact
Some calculations
Limited range
ACCURACY
CONNECTIVITY
Accuracy ±3.0mm
Connectivity: None
10 Measurement memory
Addition/Subtraction
ACCURACY
CONNECTIVITY
Accuracy: ±2.0mm
Connectivity: None
Measure many different shaped objects
Compact
Limited Range
ACCURACY
CONNECTIVITY
Accuracy: ±3.0mm
Connectivity: None
Intelligent end piece
Outside measurement in some conditions
ACCURACY
CONNECTIVITY
Accuracy: ±1.5mm
Connectivity: Bluetooth
Digital point finder
Outside measurements
Intelligent end piece
ACCURACY
CONNECTIVITY
Accuracy: ±1.0mm
Connectivity: Bluetooth
Best Laser Measure Reviews Australia 2023
Bosch GLM20 Review
Rating: 3.5
Specifications:
- Range: 0.15 to 20 metres
- Accuracy: ±3.0mm
- Batteries: 2 x AAA
- Weight: 100g
- Dimensions: 100 x 36 x 23mm
- Connectivity: None
The Bosch GLM20 is what you need for accurate measuring around the home at an affordable price. There are no complicated functions with this unit, it has a compact design and easily fits in your pocket. Capable of measuring up to 20 metres this unit is a great addition to any toolbox.
The GLM 20 was released by Bosch in 2016 to replace the very popular GLM 15 model. The notable improvements to the GLM 20 include a new backlit screen and a range boost from 15 to 20 metres.
Designed with easy use in mind, it features an uncomplicated one-button operation that can quickly change from single measurement mode to continuous measurement in one press.
The GLM20 is an affordable laser measure from Bosch that comes with a lot of features for the price. This laser measure is ideal for homeowners who want to have a reliable tool for their homes.
Other than being able to measure faster and more accurately than with a traditional tape measure, the biggest benefit of this unit is the real-time distance measurement feature. This feature allows you to move the laser measure closer or further away from an object and have the distance update instantly, a real time saver.
The GLM20 would suit a homeowner that prefers simple to operate tools but doesn’t want to compromise on accuracy.
Bosch PLR 25 Review
Rating: 4.0
Specifications:
- Range: 0.05 to 25 metres
- Accuracy: ±2.0mm
- Batteries: 2 x AAA
- Weight: 90g
- Dimensions: 100 x 42 x 22mm
- Connectivity: None
The Bosch PLR 25 is another great laser measure that includes a few more bells and whistles than the GLM20. This unit has a slightly longer maximum measurement range of 25 metres but includes many more features making it suitable not only for homeowners but also tradespeople and real estate agents.
One of the handy features of the PLR 25 is the ability to select the reference edge as either the back or the front of the unit. Instead of having to sit the back of the unit on every object that you want to measure from, sometimes leaning the front of the laser measure on the surface can provide a more accurate measurement. This is handy for measuring hard edge surfaces such as kitchen benchtops and lengths of timber.
Another benefit of the PLR 25 is being able to scroll through the previous 10 measurements with the left and right arrows. As a bonus, the measurement memory includes not only the actual measurements but also and any calculations that you may have made.
This unit has similar onboard calculation functions to the GLM20 but the multiline colour display makes a big difference in visualising how the calculations are being made. Area calculations can be made with two clicks and volumes with three, making this a really handy laser measure for real estate agents and tradespeople.
Bosch Zamo III Review
Rating: 4.5
Specifications:
- Range: 0.15 to 20 metres
- Accuracy: ±3.0mm
- Batteries: 2 x AAA
- Weight: 86g
- Dimensions: 105 x 38 x 22mm
- Connectivity: None
Traditional laser measures are fantastic at measuring straight lines quickly, easily and accurately. But what if you could have a tool that could not only measure straight lines but could also measure long uneven surfaces or even the circumference of a circular object?
The Bosch Zamo III is an exciting adaption to the conventional laser measure, featuring the ability to add clip-on adaptors that transform the tool into a must have tool for anyone into DIY, craft projects, gift making or home improvement.
The measurement range of the unit is a modest 20 metres but what it may lack in distance, it makes up for in versatility. In fact, many reviewers of this product report that they have fun measuring with the Zamo III. As a surveyor, hearing that people are enjoying measuring makes me feel warm inside!
The 3 attachments included with the Zamo III set are:
Line adaptor – Acts as a mini laser level for levelling horizontal and vertical lines. Great for hanging pictures, coat hooks and other objects.
Wheel adaptor – Features a small measuring wheel that allows the measurement of straight, curved and uneven surfaces by rolling the wheel over them. Great for measuring uneven walls, lengths of fabric and furniture.
Tape adaptor – A 1.5-metre tape measure that digitally records the measurement when extended. Great for precisely measuring circumferences such as fabric sizes, or any circular object.
The Bosch Zamo III is more than just a laser measure. With the three included adaptors it is an essential tool for any homeowner or DIYer.
Leica Disto New D2 Review
Rating: 4.5
Specifications:
- Range: 0.05 to 100 metres
- Accuracy: ±1.5mm
- Batteries: 2 x AAA
- Weight: 100g
- Dimensions: 116 x 44 x 26mm
- Connectivity: Bluetooth v4.0
If you need to measure over longer distances than a house or small yard then looking at a Leica laser measure would be a good idea. The New Leica Disto D2 is an upgraded version of the popular laser measure that was first released in 2008. The notable improvements to the original D2 was a range boost to 100m, additional onboard calculations and the inclusion of an intelligent endpiece that was previously only incorporated into high-end models.
To bring the D2 into the smartphone era, Leica has also added Bluetooth v4.0 connectivity to enable users to integrate measurements with apps such as Leica Sketch Plan.
The D2 is a mid-level laser measure in the Leica range but is packed with loads of features. It is the cheapest of the Leica laser measures to include my favourite feature, the intelligent automatic endpiece. The endpiece works by automatically adjusting the measurement taken from the end of the endpiece. This is very handy for measuring square-cut surfaces like timber and benchtops when the endpiece is opened to 90 degrees. It’s even handier when fully opened to 180 degrees to accurately measure objects that are obstructed or have a narrow profile. Check out this short video to give you an idea of what it can do.
The physical construction of this is not as robust as the higher end Leica laser measures and can feel comparatively fragile but if looked after well, should last for many years.
This unit is also heavily loaded with onboard calculation tools which makes it a great choice for real estate agents and architects in preparing floor plans. The available calculations include area, volume, addition/subtraction and solving Pythagoras equations. It also includes a stakeout function that allows you to enter a distance into the unit and it will display how much closer or further away from an object you need to be. It also has a specific painters function for painters to quickly and easily estimate the required wall coverings or paint volume for a job.
To get you up and measuring quickly, Leica has put in a lot of effort in preparing a well-illustrated user manual which you can check out here.
Leica Disto D510 Review
Rating: 5.0
Specifications:
- Range: 0.1 to 200 metres
- Accuracy: ±1.0mm
- Batteries: 2 x AA
- Weight: 198g (with batteries)
- Dimensions: 143 x 58 x 29mm
- Connectivity: Bluetooth v4.0
- Screen: Colour with 4 x zoom Pointfiner
If you are a professional and need to make highly accurate measurements over long distances and outdoors, you need a reliable laser measure with advanced functionality.
Measuring outdoors has always been a challenge using a laser measure, especially in direct sunlight. The biggest challenge is being able to see where the laser dot is pointing over longer distances. The Leica Disto D510 includes a feature called Pointfinder with 4x zoom which makes measuring outside so much easier. With the press of a button, you can use the digital camera on the LCD screen to zoom in on the target, dramatically increasing the range able to be measured.
Leica Geosystems has a world-leading reputation for designing and manufacturing precision measuring equipment and is a solid choice for professionals. I have personally used the next model up from this unit, the D810 Touch, for several years and have found it to be a really reliable unit. The main difference between the D810 Touch and D510 is the colour touch screen, which I have found to be not as useful as I thought it may have been. I normally wear gloves when working in the field so having to remove them often is a real pain in the neck. If I had the choice again, I would purchase the D510 instead as it has most of the same functionality as the D810.
This short video gives a good overview of what the D510 can do (apologies in advance for the corny backing music!)
How to choose the Best Laser Measure for your needs: Buyers Guide
The cost of a laser measure starts from under $50 for a model with basic specifications to over $1000 for a unit with advanced features and accessories. It can be difficult to assess which of these features you need to achieve the measurement tasks around the home or at work.
The following buying guide is designed to get you thinking about the type of functionality you need to get the most out of using a laser measure.
Maximum Range
One of the main factors in the cost of a laser measure is the maximum range of the unit. If you are not planning on using the laser measure over long distances, a cheaper model could do the job and save you money.
Just bear in mind that the range specified by the manufacturer may not reflect the maximum range you will be able to measure in all conditions, particularly when measuring outside. On the other hand, in optimal conditions and when measuring to a hard surface it may be possible to measure further than the manufacturer states.
I would advise you to think about the longest distance you are likely to want to measure and choose a laser measure that exceeds that distance.
Accuracy and Precision
When you are researching which laser measure to buy you may come across the terms accuracy and precision used interchangeably.
The accuracy of the unit is how close you can expect it to measure the true distance of any shot.
The precision of the unit refers to the repeatability of the measurements. For example, if you take multiple measurements to the same target and get the same distance each time then the unit is said to be precise.
When compared to using a traditional tape measure, the accuracy and precision of any laser measure will be significantly better than what can be achieved, particularly over longer distances.
Screen Visibility
Some entry-level laser measure models have small screens which can make it difficult to see the measurements.
Choose a model with a large screen if you struggle to see small digital displays.
All of the models reviewed in this article have backlit screens which help a lot with screen visibility in dark areas.
Can you use a Laser Measure Outdoors?
Cheaper laser measures typically have lower-powered laser output which reduces your ability to see the laser dot in bright sunlight.
Outdoor measurement using a laser measure is a contentious subject and there is a lot of misinformation floating around on the web.
Laser distance measurers that are designed for outdoor measurement typically have stronger laser output and are generally more expensive. These high-end laser measures have features such as an optical viewfinder or on-screen magnification like the Pointfinder zoom on the Leica D510, to enable reliable outdoor measurement.
If you’re interested in learning more about using a laser measure outside, check out this article I’ve written which includes additional tools you can purchase to make the job easier.
Battery Type and Life
Entry-level laser measures generally use replaceable AA or AAA batteries. The number of measurements achievable with these replaceable batteries really depends on how often you use the device. The power use is also heavily affected by how often you use the continuous measurement feature.
The advantage of buying a more expensive laser measure with an inbuilt rechargeable battery is the increased battery life and not having to carry spare batteries with you everywhere. If you only intend on using the unit around your home then this probably isn’t a problem as you should be able to find some in the back of your drawer.
Onboard Calculations
For most projects around the home, complicated calculations are usually not required. However, if you are a homeowner that enjoys getting into some more complicated projects a unit with this functionality can be really handy.
Starting with the most basic onboard calculation, the addition/subtraction function is my most frequently used button. What tends to happen quite often when using a laser measure is that you don’t have a target at the point you are trying to measure. For example, if you are attempting to measure an external wall of a house, unless you place a physical target at the end of the wall, there may be nothing to measure to at that point.
The addition/subtraction function allows you to shoot a longer distance to an object (say a boundary fence past the target) and then subtract a distance from the end of the wall to the fence, giving you the length of the wall in two quick measurements.
Other onboard calculations that get occasional use are the area, volume and indirect measurement modes.
Memory
Most entry-level laser measures have limited onboard memory. Some, like the Bosch GLM 20, only remember the last two measurements displayed on the screen.
Depending on the type of project you are undertaking, it can be handy to be able to go back to previous measurements you have made.
Bluetooth for App Connectivity
Bluetooth connectivity with a laser measure is recommended if you intend on connecting with an application on a phone or tablet
The two biggest laser measure manufacturers, Bosch and Leica have their own apps that connect via Bluetooth and allow you to transfer measurements onto a sketch or photo.
An app that I use all the time is the Leica Disto Sketch App.
Dust and Splash Resistant: Protection Rating
Depending on where you plan on using your laser measure, the dust and splash resistance of the unit may b important. For most activities around the home, a laser measure that is dustproof and water-resistant is not really necessary. However, if you are a serious renovator or use a laser measure on a construction site you will want to invest in a more durable device.
The dust and splash resistance of a laser measure is assigned a code using an international classification system called an IP (Ingress Protection) rating. Each laser measure is assigned a code that signifies how resistant to dust and water the unit is.
Conclusion
I hope that this article has helped you choose a laser measure to suit your needs but just to make one thing clear, I am not suggesting that you throw out your trusty tape measure. In fact, measuring over really short distances is just not practical or in some cases not possible with a laser measure. But, once you start using a laser measure around the home you will wonder how you managed all this time without one.
If you want to take your measurement game even further, check out my article on the Best Laser Levels in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Laser Distance Measures Give You Real-Time Measurements?
One of the functions that make a laser measure a must-have tool is the ability to constantly update the measurement on the screen. It gives you the ability to find the exact distance between objects by simply moving the laser measure closer or further away.
Does the accuracy of a laser measurer remain constant over a certain distance?
When working within the stated maximum range of the unit, you can be confident that the accuracy of the distance measurement will not change. Unlike measuring with a box tape, the accuracy of a laser measure does not degrade over longer distances.
Can a laser measure replace a tape measure?
The value of a laser measure is realised when you can make more accurate measurements faster and more efficiently over long distances. A traditional tape measure is still a valuable tool to use when measuring over shorter distances.
How accurate is a laser tape measure?
Each laser measure will have different accuracy specifications detailed by the manufacturer. Typically the measurement accuracy will range from ±3.0mm for cheaper units to ±0.5mm for high-end laser measures.
