The best levels

Yes, the DeWalt DW088LG Green Cross Line Laser is crazy expensive. It costs more than all the other levels on our list combined and then multiplied by three. But it will also likely last you a lifetime. This rugged laser level is built to survive drops of up to six feet and it's rated IP65 debris and water resistance, so don't worry about the dust or drizzle at your worksite, the DW088LG will be just fine.

Ideal for framing or other large-scale construction or renovation projects, the level casts both horizontal and vertical beams in a bright green light that is easily visible even in the middle of the day, and that's as much as 10 times brighter than the red beams generated by most laser levels.

The self-leveling design allows for precise work even on less-than even surfaces, while a locking pendulum protects the DW088LG's more sensitive internal components as you move the tool around or toss it in the toolbox at the end of the day.

Your capable new level comes with a magnetic mounting bracket, a protective carrying case, a targeting card, and even a pair of laser enhancement glasses.

Pros: High visibility lasers, durable construction, multiple accessories included

Cons: Very expensive

There are lots of things to love about the Empire True Blue Professional Torpedo Level, but let's start with the number 10 since this impressive tool is comes in at just under $10.

Now let's move to the number nine, which is the length of this compact level. Next, let's talk about the number three, which is how many leveling vials this thing has, allowing for quick and accurate measurement on the horizontal and vertical planes and of 45-degree angles.

The blue fluid in said vials creates a high contrast with the air bubble for easy visibility, while a top window allows for easy overhead viewing. The Empire True Blue Professional Torpedo Level's is protected with an aluminum frame into which a groove is carved to allow the magnetic tool to more securely grip onto pipes or conduit.

Yes, you can find even cheaper levels out there, but you will be hard-pressed to find one that is so well made for such a low price. However, a few buyers did call the magnetic power lacking.

Pros: Low price point, high contrast vials, reinforced protective frame

Cons: Weak magnetism

When you're working with materials that will fill a large space, like the wall of a kitchen or the surface of a patio, you need to use a large level. A shorter level might tell you if one individual piece of building material is level, but it won't give you a sense of how two or more pieces are lining up together.

For projects like cabinetry, molding installation, paver or bricklaying, and other work that spans long spaces, the Stanley FatMax 72-Inch Non-Magnetic Level is a great choice.

This behemoth six-foot level has three vials set into its body for horizontal, vertical, and 45-degree angle reference as well as block vials on each end to ensure accurate readings over its entire span. Thought lightweight at just 2.2 pounds, the level is quite durable thanks to construction from a single piece of extruded aluminum.

A pair of handles make carrying and placing the tool easy, while its non-magnetic design makes it simple to fine-tune its position even when you're working near metal objects.

Pros: Extra large span, lightweight but durable, features multiple vials

Cons: Occasional inconsistency with readings

Uniformly hanging frames on the wall beside a staircase is one of the best ways to add a decorative flourish to a space, but it's also one of the hardest projects to do well. And improperly positioned frames ultimately detract from an interior aesthetic more than they add.

With the Black & Decker BullsEye Auto-Leveling Laser Level, you can create a crisp beam projected in line with the angle of your stairs by attaching the actual level to the wall itself. It adheres to most surfaces using a small pin built into the back of the unit, but you can also use your own double-stick tape if you don't want to poke a little hole.

Used off walls, the Black & Decker BullsEye Auto-Leveling Laser Level can create a bright red line useful for mapping the layout for bricks, pavers, tiles, and other hardware. And thanks to its self-leveling design, even when the unit is not resting on perfectly even ground (or an even wall or countertop and so on) it will project a level beam.

However, a few buyers have noted that the rotating dial does not clearly indicate when you are perfectly level and it's tough to read at an angle.

Pros: Attaches directly to walls, accurate to 1.2 inches at 100 feet, self-leveling

Cons: Can be hard to read precisely at angles

What's that other tool you use all the time when putting up pictures, shelving, cabinets, or when doing framing or flooring? Ah, right. A tape measure. When you get Qooltek Multipurpose Laser LevelPro3, there's no need for an additional measuring tape, because this bad boy has one built right in. And in addition to the eight-foot tape measure, it also has a six-inch ruler along the base for making quick, precise measurements and markings.

A series of the standard three vials help you establish a level reading, while a laser built into the front of the Qooltek Multipurpose Laser LevelPro3 can project a horizontal, vertical, or angled line visible for several dozen feet in lower light conditions. The laser can also project a cross-shaped beam for proper orientation of materials meeting at the perpendicular.

Pros: Multiple tools in one, great low price, adjustable laser beam

Cons: Not very durable

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