Updated Sep. 11, 2024
We tested two Bosch Laser Tape Measures for accuracy, design features and how they stack up against the competition. Here are the results.
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Our best laser tape measures review includes two Bosch laser tape measure models. We tested them both under real-world conditions to see how the models, from different ends of the pricing spectrum, perform under rigorous testing and use. The Bosch Blaze GLM50C, on the higher end, features Bluetooth capability and operates with the help of the Bosch MeasureOn mobile app. The other, the Bosch Blaze GLM100-23, is battery-operated and provides accurate measurements with a real-time display.
While some of our testing results were surprising, both models performed well in their capacities. The GLM100-23 proved easy to use and accurate indoors within sixteenth of an inch. The GLM50C performed well when paired with the app.
Here are our testing results for both Bosch laser tape measures, along with information about other Bosch models to help you decide if Bosch is the right brand for you and which model will fit your DIY or professional needs best.
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Understanding how to read a tape measure is crucial at home or on the job site. However, Bosch is working to simplify the task through its extensive lineup of laser measuring tools. The company offers multiple laser tape measures via its Blaze line, and there are models to meet any DIY budget.
Bosch also blurs the line between DIY and professional-grade laser measure tools, with some models featuring green lasers meant for outdoor use and others with Bluetooth and mobile app functionality.
Our product testing team noticed that the backlit displays of both models we tested were easy to read and navigate. Both were easy to operate, and using each felt intuitive to our testers. One tester noted that the GLM50C, the most expensive of the two, is designed well enough to perform well for both DIYers and pros alike.
The Bosch Laser Measure GLM100-23 is a simple laser measurement tool with fewer features. You might call it a laser measure for purists. Priced at around $45, our testers noted that it was the most compact laser tape measure they tested, and its accuracy is a plus for smaller projects.
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The Bosch GLM100-23 is the most basic of the two Bosch laser measure tools we tested. The GLM 100-23 would work well in a DIYer’s or professional’s tool kit to supplement a standard tape measure. The device features no metric measuring functions; however, it does have instant point-and-shoot measuring ability in an impressively compact design. It’s also incredibly accurate at taking precise measurements indoors.
The GLM50C is more advanced. Its many features make it a solid choice for professionals and avid DIYers who primarily work indoors. The tool incorporates a bright and easy-to-read screen, rotating display, canvas carrying case, clip and Bluetooth capability. Additionally, it’s designed for use with Bosch’s MeasureOn mobile app, which provides more advanced features as well.
Our testing team evaluated and tested both Bosch Laser Measure devices. The testers reported on everything from unboxing and standard use to mobile app functionality for each one.
Testing involved manually checking accuracy under several typical working conditions, reporting on the device’s size and comfort, operating all of the device’s functions and mixing combinations of functions when applicable. The product testers recorded their results as testing took place to ensure accuracy and minimize bias. Finally, the team generated a report that included their findings and a rating score for each tool.
The Bosch Laser Measure GLM100-23 ranked as the best basic laser measure in our review, and the Bosch Blaze GLM50C earned the badge of being the best splurge, according to the test results.
A digital tape measure guide can help you learn about all of the functions of a laser tape measure. However, we found the Bosch laser measures relatively easy to operate.
Some models only require you to point and shoot the device for an instant measurement reading, while others include functions to calculate areas and volumes of spaces. The processes for more complex models include setting your desired measurement (metric or standard), choosing the functions you wish it to perform and letting the device do the rest.
The user can’t calibrate typical consumer-grade Bosch laser measures. In most cases, the devices are accurate within 1/16th of an inch. However, if your Bosch laser measure is showing inaccuracies, there are a couple of things to check.
First, be sure the device is aimed correctly at the object you’re measuring. If that fails, try to aim at surfaces that aren’t shiny. Placing cardboard or something similar in front of a shiny object can increase accuracy. Finally, ensure there are no objects in the way of your measurement, including heavy airborne particles such as sawdust.
Bosch provides its MeasureOn mobile app for use with its Bluetooth and app-compatible measuring devices. Our product testing team says the app is extremely useful and features excellent tools for avid DIYers, designers, construction workers and engineers.
Reviews for Bosch laser measures, in general, are overwhelmingly positive, with 85% of The Home Depot reviewers recommending the product they purchased. The tools carry a 4.4 out of 5-star rating on the platform.
While the models we tested included red laser technology, intended for indoor use only, the company’s outdoor-capable green laser devices, such as the Blaze 165 ft Green Laser Distance Measuring Tool, also earn an average of 4.7 stars with The Home Depot customers.
Positive reviews typically cite the tools’ compact designs, lightweight, spot-on accuracy and durability as the reasons for the high praise. However, some negative reviews exist. Reports of inaccurate measurements and an inability to operate red laser technology devices outdoors are the top reasons for lower ratings.
We also tested the Leica Laser Measure and compared it to our Bosch Blaze Bluetooth-Enabled device. While the devices are pretty similar in function, the Leica Laser Measure has a measuring capacity of up to 330 feet, while the Bosch maxes out at 165 feet.
Both devices can function with a proprietary mobile app and provide additional functions like distance measuring, multiple measurements, data-point storage, and area and volume calculations.
The Leica offers a Pythagoras function and a 60-second timer delay option. However, Bosch’s MeasureOn app is free to use, while Leica’s requires a paid subscription. The MeasureOn app from Bosch is more functional, too. Our testers discovered some connectivity troubles with the Leica app as well.
Additionally, the Leica tool is more costly, retailing for $199 against Bosch’s $119 price tag.
While the two Bosch laser measuring tools we tested are very different from each other based on functionality, both impressed our testing team for performing well in compact, well-designed and easy-to-operate forms.
The lower-cost choice will best serve DIYers looking for a basic tool to make measuring distances easier than with a standard tape measure. The tool can also be a supplemental device for quick measurements and layouts.
The higher-cost Bosch device will work well for serious DIYers with a lot to accomplish, as well as for professionals who are looking for a fast way to convert numerous measurements into complex calculations.
While we were hoping to find a Bosch laser tape measure that we could use outdoors at an affordable cost, that didn’t pan out for us.
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Bosch offers numerous laser measure tool choices, ranging in price from under $50 to over $250 for its top-of-the-line professional-grade model, the Bosch GLM400CL, which includes up to 400 feet of measuring accuracy, Bluetooth compatibility and a camera viewfinder. You can shop the Bosch GLM100-23 for under $50 on Amazon and the Bosch GLM50C for $85 at The Home Depot.
Originally Published: August 28, 2024
