Green Laser Level Vs Red Laser Level - What's The Difference & Which Is Best

When it comes to construction and power tools you will likely have come across red and green lasers. Besides the obvious colour difference, how do both lasers differentiate and what benefits do they provide? In this article, we’re going to highlight some of the main reasons why people are switching from the traditional red laser to green and how it can benefit your trade.  

Green Vs. Red Lasers (What’s the Difference?)

Lasers are commonly used in most trades, particularly construction, installations, and surveying. They are used to project vertical, horizontal (and sometimes both) lines in either green or red to acquire fast and accurate measurements over a long distance.

But, what is the difference between the colours red and green? Is there any practical advantage to using one over the other? The fact is, there is absolutely no difference when it comes to accuracy. Both are (pun intended) laser-accurate. Ultimately, the key differentiators between the two are price, brightness, visibility, and battery life.

• Red lasers:

  Red lasers have always been popular, however, as green lasers have come into play and technology has moved along, you’ll find that red lasers are becoming less and less in demand. But, if red lasers are equally as accurate as green lasers then why are they falling to the wayside?

The reality is that red lasers do not produce quite as big a range as green lasers which means that they can be difficult to detect in certain conditions. However, you can use a ‘laser detector’ to help improve your visibility.

That said, if you were to view a red and green laser of equal power side by side, the green laser would appear to be far brighter and more visible than the red laser. - Red lasers typically have a longer battery life than green lasers - Red lasers are generally less expensive than green lasers - Red lasers are compatible with most receivers (as most traditional receivers can only detect red light).

• Green lasers:

  Green lasers are visible to the human eye in a much wider range of lighting than red lasers are. This means that you can work using a green laser with great accuracy and precision even in the worst conditions.

This makes the green laser superior to the red laser when working all year round, indoors and outdoors, come rain or shine. Green laser light is 10 to 50 x brighter than a red light laser. This means that even if you are working in direct sunlight, you will still be able to see a green laser quite clearly.

Additionally, a green laser can be visible over longer distances. - Green lasers are 10 to 50 x brighter than red lasers - Green lasers have a much farther distance than red lasers - Green laser tools typically have more components and better laser diodes which is why they tend to be more expensive.

Should You Choose a Green Laser or a Red Laser?

So, now that you have a better understanding of how red and green lasers differentiate from one another, which one should you choose? Ultimately it all comes down to personal preference and application. Yes, green lasers do have a longer range than red and boast greater visibility, however, red lasers can be purchased with a laser detector for a similar price (if not cheaper) and tend to have longer battery life.

Again, it’s all down to how you work. If you are going to be on a construction site and spend most of your days working outside in the sunshine, then opting for a green laser will likely be the best option for you – just remember that the price difference will typically be higher.  

Which is the Best Laser Level – Red or Green?

So, which is the best laser level? A red laser or a green laser? On paper one could argue that the green laser is better. It has superior visibility and range. However, for those of you who are looking to spend as little money as possible then a red laser with a laser detector is an equally viable option (remember, they both have the same accuracy).

So, which is better? In many ways, you could argue that it’s a draw as they each have their pros and cons. As such, you can pick your laser depending on the colour aesthetic that you prefer – or the way that you like to work.  

Conclusion

To recap:

• Green lasers are better, brighter, and travel farther
• Red lasers are cheaper, equally as accurate, and can be coupled with a laser detector

It all comes down to application.