Laser levels are an essential piece of kit, regardless of the trade you work in. They are a must-have for a variety of precision tasks, whether you’re installing ceramic wall tiles or setting up photo frames. These tools work by emitting beams of light to provide accurate lines and come in horizontal, vertical and crossline options.
You can choose from rotary, line and dot laser levels, all with their unique applications and features. They also come in red and green versions – but which one do you need? This guide discusses the differences between the two and how you can find the right battery laser level for your project.
Red Laser Levels
Red laser levels used to be the most popular choice of laser level and, as the name suggests, emit a bright red beam to help provide exact accuracy. As technology has advanced, green versions have become the top-tier choice, however, red lasers still have some advantages that its counterpart doesn’t.
- Visibility indoors: Red laser beams are ideal for any precision work taking place indoors, such as hanging pictures, putting up shelves and simple DIY projects. The beam is typically more visible indoors and in low-light conditions.
- Cost-effective: Due to the difference in technology, red laser levels are typically cheaper than green laser levels. If you’re new to construction, a red laser level is a good place to start.
- Limited performance outdoors: During bright conditions and broad daylight, a red laser level may struggle to be visible and can’t be seen at a long range. This limits its use in outdoor applications.
Green Lasers
Green laser levels are more technical than red versions and offer a wider range of lighting. This means you can work efficiently in all conditions, during all seasons of the year. The human eye is more sensitive to the colour green, so the green beam appears far brighter than the red one, even in direct sunlight.
- Better visibility: Green lasers can travel longer distances come rain or shine and offer better visibility. This makes them preferable to construction companies and professional tradespeople.
- Outdoor use: Regardless of the weather, green laser levels can be used all year round. This option is ideal for landscaping and large-scale projects.
- Reduced battery: The laser beam may be brighter but that means it uses more energy and results in a shorter battery life compared to red laser levels.