Green vs Red Laser Level: What’s the Difference?
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Pete Ortiz
- Last updated:
Laser levels come with either green or red beams for increased visibility. These beams help you get the most accurate results in a way that is easy, efficient, and convenient. But what color beam should you get? Many people assume that color options don’t offer much difference in performance, but that is far from true.
To find out exactly how green laser levels and red laser levels differ, read on. This comparison article covers both beam colors extensively and provides you with advice on how to choose between the two. Let’s get to it.
Overview of Green Laser Levels
Although red laser levels are more popular than their green counterpart, green laser levels are easier to use, have an increased range, and are more powerful. However, green laser levels include more details, are more expensive, and die quicker.
Visibility
The color green sits right in the middle of the visible light spectrum. Even if you don’t remember what that means, that’s okay. You just need to know that this makes the color green the easiest to see to the human eye.
As a result, a green laser level is easier to see than a red one, which falls to one end of the visible light spectrum instead of the middle. Since green is easier to see, it has more precise edges and improved visibility. For example, green has a wavelength interval of 560 to 520 nm and a frequency interval of 540 to 580 THz. To put it simply: green levels provide four times as much light as red levels.
When working indoors, green laser levels have a visibility range of 50 to 60 feet. Even more impressively, green laser levels can be used when working beyond 60 feet outdoors. Ultimately, green laser levels have superior visibility and viewing range.
Construction
Since green laser levels are so powerful, they have more parts than red laser levels. For example, green laser levels have an 808 diode, a frequency-doubling crystal, and more. As a result, green laser levels take more parts, time, and money to build than red laser levels.
Price
Due to the numerous components, green laser levels are more expensive than red ones. That is why most lasers have red lights, not green ones. They are more expensive to make and require more time to manufacture. Green laser levels are between 20% and 25% more expensive than red ones.
Battery Life
Once again, the extreme power of a green laser level comes with another downfall. Their battery life span is much shorter than their red counterparts. Whenever the battery starts to die, the laser’s visibility will be affected.
Best For
Green laser levels are best for those who need maximum visibility. For example, the green laser level is the clear winner when working outdoors. Select the green laser level if you need enhanced visibility and don’t care about the battery life and price.
In contrast, you should avoid the green laser level if you are on a tight budget. Since they’re so much more expensive than a red laser level, those on a budget will probably not be able to afford a green laser level.
- Increased/maximum visibility
- More expensive
- Shorter battery life
Overview of Red Laser Levels
If you examined a laser, including laser levels, you have most likely seen products with a red laser beam. These laser levels are the most popular due to their more economical price and extended battery life. Of course, they provide less visibility than the green option.
Visibility
As mentioned before, red falls on one end of the visible light spectrum. This makes it much more difficult to see than the color green. It has a wavelength interval of 700 to 635 nm and a frequency interval of 430 to 480 THz.
When working indoors, you can see the color red for 20 to 30 feet, which is half of the range of green laser levels. Overall, red laser levels offer less visibility than their green counterparts. This will not be as much of an issue when working in a small area. However, if you work in larger areas, the red laser light will not provide enough visibility.
Construction
Even though red laser levels are less visible, one area where they beat out green laser levels is in construction. Red laser levels require fewer parts since they’re not as powerful. This makes them easier and more economical to build.
Price
Red laser levels are also more affordable since the construction is simpler and more affordable. Those on a budget will lean toward the red laser level for their affordability. Purchasing a red laser level and a laser level detector, which makes it easier to see the red light, is often more affordable than purchasing a single green laser level.
Battery Life
The lower power of the red laser level means that it has longer battery life. This is great for those who don’t want to replace the battery frequently or only intend to use the laser level sporadically and don’t want to have to think about the battery. It could also save you money since you’ll need fewer batteries.
Best For
The red laser level is best for those on a budget and working in tight areas. Since it offers lower visibility, it is only suitable for indoor and minor outdoor projects. Despite that, its affordable price and extended battery life make it an excellent option for many. However, if you work in more spacious areas, you should forgo the red laser level and select a green one instead.
- More affordable
- Longer battery life
- Lower visibility
Which Laser Level is Best for You?
| Situation | Which Laser Level to Select |
| Indoor 20 to 30 ft range | Red laser level |
| Indoor 30+ ft range | Green laser level OR red laser level with a detector |
| Outdoor 1 to 60 ft range | Red laser level |
| Outdoor 60+ ft range | Green laser level |
| Budget pick | Red laser level |
Ultimately, deciding on the best laser level for you depends on your budget and working area. You should select a green laser level if working in longer ranges. The green laser level has enough visibility that you can use it for larger areas. In contrast, you should select a red laser level if you are working in short ranges.
In terms of budget, the red laser level is also ideal. Because of its simpler design, it is more affordable, making it the best option for those on a budget. If you aren’t as concerned about budget, you might want to go ahead and select a green laser level since it is more powerful and provides more features regardless of the range.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Laser-Level
Knowing which factors to consider when selecting a laser level can help you purchase the best option. Below are the four most important factors to consider when buying a laser level. These factors will help you select which color beam you need.
Range
The first question you should ask yourself is, “What range will I be working at?” The range tells you the beam you should get. You can use a red laser level when working in smaller ranges, but you should select a green one if working in more extensive ranges.
You can probably work with a red laser level if most of your work will be indoors. In contrast, you will probably need a green laser level if you’re working outside. Of course, you still may need a green laser level inside if the building is large and has a broader range.
Visibility
You also need to consider the visibility of the laser level you select. The beam’s color will affect the visibility. As you know, green laser levels offer more visibility than red ones. The color beam is not the only factor that impacts visibility, however.
The reliability and manufacturing also affect visibility. For example, higher-end laser levels will likely have better visibility since they include high-quality parts. The battery life will also affect visibility. As the battery dies, the visibility decreases. Ensure your model has a good reputation and battery life for increased visibility.
Accuracy
Even if you select the most visible laser level, it means nothing if it is not accurate. Make sure the laser level you choose is accurate with exact measurements. If not, your project will be slightly off, even though you can see the beam clearly.
Manual vs Auto
When selecting a laser level, you have two options: manual or auto. Auto lasers, or self-leveling lasers, give you a true level line. This makes the levels more accurate. On the other hand, manual lasers require you to set them up properly to get accurate results. If they are disturbed, they will keep on running even though they aren’t level anymore.
If you know how to set up a manual laser level, you will have no problem getting an accurate result. However, you might want to select an auto laser level if you’re unsure how to use a manual one.
Quick Look: Our Top Choices
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
Our Favorite Green Laser Level
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DeWalt 12 Vmax Line Laser, 3 x 360 Green |
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CHECK PRICE |
Our Favorite Red Laser Level
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Bosch Self-Leveling Cross-Line Red-Beam Laser Level |
|
CHECK PRICE |
Our Favorite Green Laser Level: DeWalt 12 Vmax Line Laser, 3 x 360 Green
This DeWalt green laser level has three 360-degree line lasers that aid the roomy layout. It is four times brighter than a red laser level and is suitable for an indoor visibility range of 100 feet and an outdoor visibility range of 165 feet. It has an accuracy of +/0.125, making it highly accurate. The tool is also durable, with an integrated magnetic bracket for attachments.
Our Favorite Red Laser Level: Bosch Self-Leveling Cross-Line Red-Beam Laser Level
The Bosch red laser level projects two lines, independently or together, with a visibility of up to 50 feet indoors and outdoors. The system comes with a smart pendulum system, which allows the laser level to self-level for enhanced accuracy and easy setup. The tool is designed to withstand tough job sites and elemental conditions and even includes strong magnets for attachments.
Final Thoughts
Even though red laser levels are more popular, green laser levels are impressive devices. Green laser levels provide increased visibility but are more expensive and have shorter battery life. Red laser levels, in contrast, offer less visibility but cost less and have a longer battery life.
With all this in mind, you can choose the beam color based on your intended working range and budget. More extensive ranges require a green laser level, while smaller budgets will be most suited for red laser levels.
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