A level is an essential building or construction tool that indicates if a surface or object is horizontally level or vertically plumb. Whether you are building a house, a chicken coop, planning a DIY home improvement project, or hanging a picture on the wall, a highly accurate level is an indispensable gadget for your toolbox.
The 10 Best Levels
- Stabila Aluminum Box Beam Level Set (Our Top Pick)
- Stanley Non-Magnetic Level
- Empire EM81.12 True Blue Magnetic Tool Box Level
- Sola MM Magnetic Torpedo Level
- Klein Tools 935RBLT Lighted Torpedo Level
- Skil LV941901 Digital Level
- M-D Building Products 92288 SmartTool Electronic Level
- DigiPas DWL80E Pocket Size Digital Level
- BOSCH Self-Leveling Cross-Line Laser Level
- Huepar 621CG Self-Leveling Laser Level
Our Top Pick for the Best Level
Our top pick for the best level is the Stabila Aluminum Box Beam Level Set.
Whether you are a professional tradesman or a DIY home renovation enthusiast, having the right tools can make or break a project and the Stabila box beam level set will not let you down.
These 2 carpenter’s levels feature that famous German quality and superior craftsmanship which means their readings are highly accurate and they are guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Check the price on AmazonTypes of Levels
The most common types of levels that are available today are a standard mason’s or carpenter’s, a torpedo, an electronic, and a cross-line laser level.
Carpenter’s Level
Carpenter’s levels, sometimes called a “bubble” or “spirit” level, such as the Stabila, Stanley, and the Empire, are traditional style levels. They have a long rectangular box shape that is usually made out of strong aluminum with impact resin coating and they range in size from 16-48-inches.
The bubble or vial, which is set into the frame, is the key component as it determines if a horizontal and vertical surface shows a “true” level. While most “bubble” levels have 2 vials, some contain 3 or 4 vials, such as the Empire EM81.12 True Blue Magnetic Tool Box Level, which can be used for calculating multiple angles at the same time.
Torpedo Levels
For small DIY tasks or working in a confined space, a torpedo-style level such as the Sola or the Klein Tools level is a great choice as it has a small and compact design.
Torpedo levels range in size from 6, 9-10-inches and have a specially tapered end, which gives the level its torpedo look. These types of levels offer you a lot of portability around the job site as they are designed to fit on your tool belt or in your pocket.
Electronic Levels
Electronic or digital levels, such as the M-D Building Products 92288 SmartTool Electronic Level, and the DigiPas DWL80E Pocket Size Digital Level, are highly versatile tools as they contain “spirit” filled vials for manual readings as well as a digital display for decimal point accuracy. You can use them to determine multiple angles and their digital displays may even light up which is a great feature for low light conditions.
Lazer levels
High-tech laser levels provide highly accurate readings through the use of a bright red laser or lasers that project lines or create multiple planes around the room. Some high-end laser levels, such as the Bosch, have a self-leveling system and provide 360° coverage of a room and the lasers can reach up to 50 or 98-feet so they are a great choice for large rooms and long hallways.
These space-age devices are quite simple to use but their lasers may be difficult to see in bright sunlight.
Additional Features to Consider
Accuracy
Accuracy is the most important feature of a level and a quality carpenter’s level should be accurate up to 0.0005 of an inch. However, this can vary depending on the model. Digital and laser levels provide high precision accuracy, but you may need to calibrate the device first to make sure that its readings are always spot-on and make sure the battery is fully charged.
Magnetic Levels
A level that contains a powerful magnet is a great hands-free tool for working with metal surfaces. The magnet may be a full-length magnetic edge such as the Empire EM81.12 True Blue Magnetic Tool Box Level or contain a strong rare earth magnet such as the Sola MM Magnetic Torpedo Level.
Rubber Grips
Holding onto a level can be hard especially if the unit is bulky and heavy so oversized handholds with rubber grips allow you to comfortably grip and hold the level. To protect the final finish of any surface, removable rubber caps make sure that the metal level does not leave any scratches behind.
10 Best Levels – Reviews
1. Stabila Aluminum Box Beam Level Set
The Stabila Aluminum Box Beam Level Set is a fantastic choice for any tradesman or DIY home renovation enthusiast as the set includes a 16-inch level that has 2 vials and a 48-inch that has 3 vials. The vials contain a bright green fluid in the clear block acrylic glass that has spring steel hairline indicators, and the vials are epoxy-locked into the high-strength aluminum frame.
Both of the levels have been electronically calibrated and received a certification of accuracy, so they will always provide spot-on accuracy even in temperatures that range from 5-165°F and accurate even if the levels are used upside down.
The oversized handholds have rubber grips to allow for a firm grip on walls and floors and the removable shock-absorbing rubber caps make sure that no scratches are left on any surface.
You can easily store the levels out of the way as they both have large metal hang holes at the end to attach a rope or a lanyard. For easy cleanup, the electrostatic enamel finish cleans up easily with water and a brush.
The Stabila level set is covered by a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent value for money
- Set of 2 levels: 48-inch and 16-inch
- Strong and lightweight wide aluminum frame
- Bright easy to read vials
- Oversized handholds with rubber grips and removable shock-absorbing rubber caps
- Electronically calibrated with a certification of accuracy
- Easy to clean electrostatic enamel finish
- Large metal hang holes to store the levels
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Non-magnetic
2. Stanley Non-Magnetic Level
A highly accurate tool that is tailor-made for working in tough conditions, the bright yellow Stanley Non-Magnetic Level is made from a single piece of durable aluminum which gives it extra strength and stability.
You can expect a maximum accuracy of 0.0005 in./inch as the level has 3 block vials that contain a bright yellow fluid that is easy to see in most indoor conditions.
For easy placement and viewing on any surface, the special MaxEdge bridged center vial has a smooth seamless finish and the ergonomic over-molded bi-lateral handgrips help you to maintain a comfortable firm grip at almost any angle.
To prevent any scratches to finished surfaces, the level has shock-absorbing heavy-duty ends caps and non-marring side bumpers for extra durability. If you need to work with metal, Stanley also makes a magnetic Fatmax 48-inch Box Beam Level.
All of the Stanley hand tools are covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good value for money
- Affordable price
- Unique design
- Bright yellow color
- Manageable size
- Maximum accuracy of 0.0005 in./in. (0.5 mm/m)
- Three easy-to-see block vials for improved accuracy
- MaxEdge bridged center vial smooth surface for easy viewing and placement
- Durable single-piece, aluminum box-beam structure
- Large ergonomic rubber over-molded bi-lateral hand grips
- Shock-absorbing end caps hold up to heavy use
- Non-marring side bumpers help prevent damage to finished surfaces
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Hard to see the bubble in low light
- Can be hard to hold on some surfaces as it has no magnets
3. Empire EM81.12 True Blue Magnetic Tool Box Level
If you need to do some DIY renovations in a small confined space or hang a picture, the Empire EM81.12 True Blue Magnetic Tool Box Level is an excellent choice.
The US-made level has a compact design and its heavy-duty extruded aluminum frame is built strong but also lightweight enough at 5.6-ounces, so it is very easy to hold while you hang up a picture or install water pipes.
You have a lot of versatility in your hand with this little gem as its 4 glass vials are tinted with a blue fluid that allows for easy visibility in lighted areas and reliable accuracy for horizontal (level), vertical (plumb), 45° angles, and the vari-pitch dial can read the slope of a surface in 1/8-inch increments.
For quick and easy storage, the level has a lanyard hole in the end so you can hang it up in your workspace, in the tool cupboard, or garage, and the powerful, full-length strong magnetic edge stays attached to metal surfaces.
Empire Level offers a limited lifetime warranty on this high-quality versatile tool.
Pros
- Great price
- High quality
- Made in the US
- Compact
- Heavy-duty 12-inch extruded aluminum frame
- Excellent level for tight, confined spaces
- Well-designed
- Highly versatile
- Four True Blue tinted vials provide superior accuracy and good visibility
- Vials read plumb, level, 45° and vari-pitch slopes in 1/8-inch increments
- Powerful, full-length magnetic edge
- Lanyard hole for easy storage
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Glass vial is hard to see in low light conditions
- Magnet could be a little stronger tends to slip down on vertical surfaces
4. Sola MM Magnetic Torpedo Level
The bright red Sola MM Magnetic Torpedo Level is a great choice for when you need to work in low light conditions or tight, confined spaces.
Whether you are installing shelves, cabinetmaking, or working late at night, the 3 patented easy-to-read dials have a 30% magnification focus plus they glow in the dark.
If you need to work in harsh outdoor conditions such as working on a constriction site, you do not have to worry about the device getting damaged if you drop it as it features a rugged design and its tough, durable cast aluminum frame is coated in a UV-protected red epoxy.
Maintaining accuracy on all types of surfaces is made even easier as the 3 vials are mounted at 45, 90, and 180° and are molded seamlessly into the frame, and the”V” shaped bottom contains a strong rare earth magnet that allows the level to be attached to steel tubes and metal frames.
The Sola level is covered by a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good value for money
- Compact size
- Bright red color
- Made of durable cast aluminum with a red epoxy
- UV protection
- Highly accurate
- Smart design
- Solid construction
- Ideal for indoors and outdoors
- Top leveling bubble vial is located in the center of the level
- Three vials are mounted at 45, 90 and 180°
- Glow in the dark vials provide very good visibility
- Easy-to-read dials have 30% magnification focus
- V” bottom contains a strong rare earth magnet
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
5. Klein Tools 935RBLT Lighted Torpedo Level
With 3 easy-to-read illuminated light green vials and a bright orange-colored frame finish, the Klein Tools 935RBLT Lighted Torpedo Level is the perfect choice for working in tight, confined spaces on a tough worksite.
The level features durable professional-grade water and impact-resistant aluminum frame and the high-visibility bright orange color is easy to spot on the job site or workspace.
If you need to work with metal, the level’s locking track prevents the powerful rare-earth magnets from falling out and the V-groove design easily conforms to the contours of conduits and piping.
Need to work in low light conditions? Press the button, and the 3 extra bright LED high-definition vials light up with a neon green glow. They provide the accuracy you need for level surfaces, 90, and 45° angles, and the 3-minute shut-off system preserves the battery life of the 2 AAA batteries.
The level is small enough to fit into your toolbox and the tapered nose allows you to easily push it into a large-sized pocket.
Klein Tools offer a 90-day returnable policy and its products are warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for the normal life of the product.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good price
- Ideal for construction workers, welders, pipe-fitters, plumbers
- Three easy-to-read bright LED high-definition vials
- Compact
- Durable and sturdy aluminum frame
- Very good accuracy
- Large, top-view vial window enables can be read from multiple angles
- High-visibility orange body
- V-groove fits the contour of conduit and pipe
- Locking track prevents powerful rare-earth magnets from falling out
- Large, easy-to-read high-visibility vials at 3 angles: level, 90, 45°
- Water and impact resistant
- Tapered nose allows you to push the lever into your pocket
- Three-minute auto shut-off saves battery life
- 90-day returnable policy
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- LED lights are not evenly lit
- Bulky
6. Skil LV941901 Digital Level
Built for hard work with a durable aluminum frame and smart technology, the Skil LV941901 Digital Level makes any building or DIY renovations super easy.
The level shows unit selections at 0, 45, and 90°, and it can even remember the last 10 recorded angle measurements. Up and down arrow indicators give you real-time laser leveling guidance, and an audible tone lets you know when you hit 0, 45, or 90⁰.
If you need to work on a large construction site or in your garage, the Skil level delivers a very good level of accuracy. High-contrast blue vials have an accuracy of ±0.029°, and the digital readout has an accuracy ±0.05⁰ in 0 and 90⁰ and ±0.2⁰ in other angles. For your convenience, the large backlit display auto-adjusts the orientation depending on how you hold it. The hold feature automatically freezes the value, so you can perform other tasks,
This level has an integrated ruler that shows measurement in both inches and centimeters measurements and a strong magnetic edge allows for one-handed secure attachment to flat metal surfaces.
The Hammerhead digital laser level is covered by a 5-year limited warranty and it comes with a heavy-duty zip-up carrying case.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Ideal for a construction site or home improvement project
- Durable aluminum frame with integrated ruler
- Very good accuracy
- Large easy-to-read digital display
- Audible tone at 0, 45, and 90° angles
- Up and down indicators real-time laser leveling guidance
- Memory stores up to 10 values
- Digital display shows measurements in inches and centimeters
- High-contrast blue vials
- Screen orientation auto-adjusts and can be ready from any perspective
- Strong magnet edge
- Heavy-duty zip-up carrying case
- Five-year limited warranty
Cons
- Vials and digital readout do not always give the same readings
7. M-D Building Products 92288 SmartTool Electronic Level
For a unique twist on the traditional carpenter’s bubble level, the M-D Building Products 92288 SmartTool Electronic Level offers you lots of high-tech functionality.
The SmartTool features a dual function that lets you measure digitally and electronically, and with an actual number, at every angle, for 360° of a complete circle. For quick references, use the sensitive bubble vials. For hands-free decimal point accuracy for degrees, percent slope, and pitch (rise over run), the level’s intelligent sensor module provides high precision accuracy to 1/10th of a degree and shows the results on the digital display.
You do not have to be a technical expert as the SmartTool is simple to use. Just press the on/off button and the SmartTool shows you the data on the screen and quickly tells you in an audible tone what the angle is and what the angle needs to be.
The box beam case is made out of sturdy, durable aluminum, and the display even flips over so the SmartTool will always read right side up and the rubber caps protect any surfaces. A great power-saving device, it shuts off automatically after 5 minutes when it is not being used and it runs on just one 9-volt battery.
The SmartTool is proudly made in the US and is covered by a 1-year limited warranty.
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent value for money
- Suitable for a variety of home projects and medium construction projects
- Sturdy and durable aluminum
- Bright yellow color
- Easy to use and reliable
- Very good accuracy
- Dual functions: 2 bubble vials, and a large digital display
- Fast operation
- Mode button lets you see angles in 3 ways – degrees, percent slope or pitch
- Push-button calibration
- Rubber end grips
- Audible tone allows for hands-free operation
- Runs on a standard 9-volt battery
- Automatic shut-off after 5 minutes
- One-year limited warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Not magnetic
- Initial calibration is quite complex
- No backlit display
8. DigiPas DWL80E Pocket Size Digital Level
Whether it is installing a deck, a stair rail, or building a house, the very affordable DigiPas DWL80E Pocket Size Digital Level has some great innovative features that will save you time and effort with super-quick calculations.
The DigiPas level uses a precise smart technology sensor to calculate every angle, all 360° of a complete circle and displays the angles in degrees, In/Ft, mm/M, or slope percentage with decimal-point accuracy on the clear digital display and it gives an audible beep when the correct angle has been calculated. You can also check relative angles between 2 surfaces using the Alternate Zero function.
If you get distracted or forget the measurements, the level has an innovative hold function that freezes the reading on the LCD screen and it is easily recalibrated.
The level is built tough with a strong impact resistance ABS polymer material molded casing and a durable aluminum base that contains 2 built-in light green vials. Its compact mini pocket size is perfect for working in tight, confined spaces.
You can carry it anywhere in your pocket or use its integrated handle, while its magnetic base can easily be attached to metal surfaces like roofing or a metal fence.
This DigiPas level has a longer than average battery life and an automatic 3-minute switch off feature and it is covered by an 18-month warranty.
Pros
- Compact pocket size with carrying handle
- Very good quality
- Very good value for money
- Smart digital functionality
- Strong impact resistance ABS polymer material casing
- Durable aluminum base with 2 built-in bright green vials
- Dual function measure angles digitally and electronically
- Decimal-point accuracy
- High accuracy of 0.1° at 0° and 90° and 0.2° at all other angles
- Smart technology sensor improves accuracy
- Shows readings in degrees, In/Ft, mm/M, and percent slope
- Alternate zero function available
- Highly accurate and easy to recalibrate
- Strong magnetic strip
- 18-month warranty
Cons
- Bevelled metal edges are not smooth
- Display is hard to read from a distance
- Battery compartment is hard to close
9. BOSCH Self-Leveling Cross-Line Laser Level
If you are planning a large construction or renovation project, the professional BOSCH Self-Leveling Cross-Line Laser Level is packed full of high-tech features that can be accessed at just the press of a button.
This highly efficient super-smart tool uses space-age lasers to project vertical, horizontal, and cross lines and it can project 2 lines independently or together and the laser lines are visible up to 50-feet. All of your measurements will be precise as the gadget can deliver an accuracy of ±1/8-Inch at 33-feet.
Its Smart Self-leveling Pendulum System indicates out-of-level conditions and locks the pendulum after the laser is switched off.
For a more hands-on approach, you can use the manual mode to lock the cross-line, and use the tool at any angle.
The Bosch-exclusive VisiMax technology delivers outstanding line visibility in standard working conditions and its intelligent system constantly monitors the laser’s temperature so that the sensitive laser diodes continue to provide maximum laser line brightness without overheating.
A highly functional device, the Bosch has retractable feet so you can use it in a free-standing mode and the convenient swivel magnetic L mount allows for quick set-up on any ferrous metal surface or it can be attached to a tripod.
The cross-line laser is always job-site ready and is designed to withstand tough work environments with a sturdy over-molded ABS plastic construction that has an IP54 rating for water and dust protection and there is a hard carrying case for added protection and mobility.
The BOSCH laser level is covered by 2-year limited warranty and requires 3 lithium-ion AA batteries.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Good price
- Excellent accuracy
- Self-leveling
- Easy to configure for out-of-level operation for custom slopes and angles
- VisiMax technology ensures the laser diodes do not overheat
- Pendulum locks automatically for maximum accuracy and longevity
- Visimax technology delivers maximum line visibility in standard working conditions
- Easy-to-use laser set-up modes projects vertical, horizontal and cross lines
- Can project 2 lines independently or together
- Smart pendulum system
- Magnetic L mount features strong magnets to attach to steel
- IP54-water rated
- Two-year limited warranty
- Magnetic Mounting Bracket
- Laser Target Plate
- Three AA Batteries
- Hard carry case
Cons
- Bulky
- Lasers are difficult to see in bright daylight
10. Huepar 621CG Self-Leveling Laser Level
Work smarter and faster with the Huepar 621CG Self-Leveling Laser Level. Designed using the latest laser technology, the Huepar self-leveling device is a great tool to have for any professional tradesman or DIY renovator as its laser leveling system provides all-around coverage for walls and ceilings.
The 621CG laser level has 5 projecting modes that allow you to manually project a 360° horizontal line, a 140° vertical line, and in the self-leveling mode, it can project 90° cross lines and bright red up and down plumb laser dots. This incredible device can be at a highly accurate rate of ±1/9″ at 33-feet for lines, and 1/9″ at 33-feet for plumb dots, and it has a working range up to 130-feet.
Other handy features include the ultra-bright green laser that is easier to see than a red laser, and the green target plate also increases the visibility of the laser beam. If you need to work on a large construction site, the pulse mode extends the laser’s range up to 180-feet with the Huepar Line Laser Receiver (sold separately).
For challenging work environments, the Huepar Self-Leveling laser level has a durable ABS/rubber design, and an over-molded metal laser window with an IP54 dust/waterproof rating, so it is ideal for tough working conditions.
The magnetic pivoting base comes with ¼”-20 and 5/8″-11 mounting threads that give you plenty of flexibility to use the device with different types of tripods.
It has great battery life and the laser beam dims when the battery is running out of power.
The Huepar laser level comes with 4 AA batteries and a carry case that has easy-to-access storage compartments, and the level is covered by a 2-year warranty.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- All-around coverage: 360° horizontal and 360°/90° vertical planes
- Smart laser technology
- Ultra-bright green laser
- Green target plate also increases the visibility of the laser beam
- Bright red up and down plumb dots
- Manual and self-leveling mode
- Durable ABS/rubber design
- IP54 waterproof and dust-proof rating
- Pulse mode extends laser range up to 180-feet
- Laser dims on low battery
- Magnetic pivoting base
- Can be attached to a tripod
- Very good battery life
- Two-year warranty
- Carrying case
Cons
- Laser can fade in very strong sunlight
- Magnetic base is not very sturdy
Our Top Pick for the Best Level
Our top pick for the best level is the Stabila Aluminum Box Beam Level Set.
Whether you are a professional tradesman or a DIY home renovation enthusiast, having the right tools can make or break a project and the Stabila box beam level set will not let you down.
These 2 carpenter’s levels feature that famous German quality and superior craftsmanship which means their readings are highly accurate and they are guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Check the price on Amazon
