For improved visibility, laser levels are available with either green or red beams. These beams make it simple, quick, and handy for you to obtain the most precise results. But which laser-level color should you choose? Contrary to popular belief, there are significant performance differences across colors.
Continue reading to learn more about how the intensities of the green and red lasers differ. This comparison article discusses both beam colors in great detail and offers suggestions on how to decide which one to use. Keep reading to learn more!
Green Laser Levels Overview
Green laser levels are simpler to operate, have a wider field of view, and are more powerful even though red laser levels are more often used. This partially explains why green laser levels are more costly, have more details, and have a shorter lifespan.
Visibility
Green is located exactly in the center of the visible light spectrum. As a result, it offers four times the amount of light that a red laser level does. Green laser levels offer a visual range of 50 to 60 feet when used inside. When operating outside at distances greater than 60 feet, green laser levels can be utilized.
Construction
Green laser levels are more complex than red laser levels because they contain more components, such as an 808 diode and a frequency doubling crystal. Building a green laser level requires more materials, effort, and resources than building a red laser level.
Price
Green laser levels have a higher component count and take longer to produce than red laser levels. Green laser levels cost 20% to 25% more than red ones and are therefore less cost-effective. Most lasers feature red lights rather than green, as they take longer and cost more to make.
Battery Life
Green laser levels are much more powerful than their red counterparts, but they also have substantially lower battery life. The green laser’s visibility will decrease once the battery begins to degrade – and this is especially true for high-power laser strobes such as X-ray diffraction.
Ideal For
If you require more vision and don’t care about cost or battery life, go with the green laser level. If you’re on a tight budget, opt for the red laser level instead. Green laser levels are so much more expensive that you won’t be able to get them on a budget.
Red Laser Levels Overview
The likelihood is high that you have encountered items with a red laser beam if you have ever seen any form of laser, including laser levels. Because of their more affordable pricing and longer battery life, these laser levels are by far the most often used. They do, of course, provide lesser visibility compared to the green laser level.
Visibility
Red has a frequency range of 430 to 480 THz and a wavelength range of 700 to 635 nm. In comparison to the hue green, it is four times less brilliant. Red will be seen at a distance of 20 to 30 feet when operating indoors.
Construction
Red laser levels provide less visibility, yet they outperform green laser levels in the construction industry. Since red laser levels are less strong, they require fewer components. They are therefore simpler and more affordable to construct.
Price
Red laser levels are more reasonably priced since the building is easier and more cost-effective. Budget-conscious people will gravitate toward the red laser level in particular due to its accessibility. It is frequently less expensive to buy a red laser level plus a laser level detector, which makes it simpler to see the red light, than a single green laser level.
Battery Life
The red laser’s lower power output results in longer battery life. This is excellent for people who don’t want to constantly change the battery or who just want to use the laser level occasionally and don’t want to have to think about the battery. Since fewer batteries would be required, it can potentially result in financial savings.
Ideal For
For individuals operating in confined spaces and on a small budget, the red laser level is the ideal option. Only limited ranges, both indoors and outdoors, are ideal for it because of its poor visibility. Despite this, many people find it to be a great alternative because of its low cost and long battery life.
However, if you are working in larger spaces, you should use a green laser level as opposed to a red one. Due to its reduced visibility, it will be intrinsically worthless if utilized over longer ranges.
Ideal Laser Level For You
| Scenario | Ideal Laser Level to Choose |
| 20 – 30 ft range (Indoor) | Red laser level |
| 30+ ft range (Indoor) | Red laser level with a detector OR Green laser level |
| 1 – 60 ft range (Outdoor) | Red laser level |
| 60+ ft range (Outdoor) | Green laser level |
| More affordable | Red laser level |
For individuals operating in confined spaces and on a small budget, the red laser level is the ideal option. Only limited ranges, both indoors and outdoors, are ideal for it because of its poor visibility. Despite this, many people find it to be a great alternative because of its low cost and long battery life.
However, if you are working in larger spaces, you should use a green laser level as opposed to a red one. Due to its reduced visibility, it will be intrinsically worthless if utilized over longer ranges.
Conclusion
Green laser levels are also used in construction, even though red laser levels are more common. Although green laser levels have shorter battery life and higher cost, they provide better vision. Contrarily, red laser levels have lesser visibility but are less expensive and have longer battery life.
Consider all of these before selecting the laser-level color beam depending on your working environment and spending limit. Green laser levels are needed for longer distances, whereas red laser levels are better suited for lesser budgets. It is quite easy. You can make your informed decision based on the information mentioned above.
