Rooms inside about 20 m
You want a pocket meter for rooms and you already keep a tape for the cut. The EasyDistance 20 is about £43.99, with 4.6 from 654 reviews, one button, two AAA cells and no pouch. There is no area mode.
Bosch laser rangefinder comparison 2026
The best Bosch laser rangefinders, compared.
Top pick: Bosch Professional GLM 40-31 – Highest score in the set: 4.8 from 295 reviews, IP65 and a stated 1.5 m drop. The 24 metre attribute still conflicts with Bosch Professional GB’s 0.05–40 m. Best value: Bosch EasyDistance 20 – About £43.99, 4.6 from 654 reviews, and a 20 m figure repeated in the title, the bullet and the attribute. No pouch, and the accuracy wording does not match Bosch DIY’s ±3.0 mm. Updated October 2026.
A laser rangefinder is a handheld distance meter. It sends a class 2 beam to a surface and shows the length on a screen. In the UK you use one to size a room, a stair, or a longer outdoor run without walking a tape the whole way. It draws no level line. A cross-line or rotary laser is a different tool. You tell a suitable meter apart by the range the job needs, the accuracy figure printed on the listing, the IP rating and any drop line, and whether you can see the spot or need a camera. Many rooms sit inside about 20 m. Larger indoor work often needs 40 to 50 m. A long outdoor shot is another class of meter. AA or AAA cells are the predictable power choice. Where a class is stated, these are laser class 2 tools under 1 mW, against BS EN 60825-1. Staring into the beam is hazardous, and dazzle still matters at height. IP65 means dust and water jets, not immersion.
A laser rangefinder is a handheld distance meter. It sends a class 2 beam to a surface and shows the length on a screen.
32 products checked · 58 hrs invested · +21,400 readers
9 of 9: Best Bosch laser rangefinders compared
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1-2 of 9Best overall
Best value
9.6/10
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9.4/10
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8.0/10
∼ £90
∼ £152
∼ £199
∼ £299
∼ £75
∼ £44
∼ £188
∼ £69
∼ £49
4.8(295)
4.7(12,691)
4.7(12,691)
4.7(386)
4.6(11,498)
4.6(654)
4.6(520)
4.6(380)
4.0(187)
Personal buying guide
Which Bosch laser rangefinder fits this job?
Question 1 of 2
Where will you measure?
The best Bosch laser rangefinders in detail
Our view
The GLM 40-31 is the IP65 Professional meter with a colour display, seven modes and a stated 1.5 m drop on concrete, listed at £90.28. The star line is 4.8 from 295 reviews, the highest stars in the set, and UK texts call it accurate against cheaper meters, light enough to carry, and useful for a plasterer once the controls are learned. The Amazon measuring-range attribute says 24 metres, while the title and the bullets state no metre figure and no accuracy, and Bosch Professional GB lists 0.05–40 m. The box is two AA cells and a pouch, even though the battery-description field says Lithium-Ion and a bullet only says a Li-ion pack is compatible. A UK review says it measures straight ahead, not a width from across the room, and that daylight is where the red spot fades. It is the top pick on score because of that star line and the sealing, with the 24 m attribute left as a conflict you should read before you rely on the page.
Pros
- IP65 and a 1.5 m drop on concrete, with a colour display and seven modes
- 4.8 from 295 reviews, the highest star line in the set
- Two AA cells and a pouch in the box
- UK reviews call it accurate against cheaper meters once the controls are learned
Cons
- The measuring-range attribute says 24 metres, and the bullets state no range and no accuracy
- The battery-description field says Lithium-Ion while the box contains AA cells
- A UK review says it does not measure a width from across the room
- The same UK review treats daylight as the limit for the red spot
Best for: You want an IP65 colour-display meter for indoor trade and you will check Bosch’s 40 m page against the 24 metre attribute.
Less suitable: You need the range and the accuracy printed on the Amazon bullets, or a width taken from across the room.
Specifications
- Model
- Bosch Professional GLM 40-31
- Brand
- Bosch
- Price
- ∼£90
- Customer rating
- 4.8/5(295)
- Stated range
- Attribute 24 m
- Laser colour
- Not stated
- Sealing
- IP65
- Drop resistance
- 1.5 m
- Measuring jobs
- Seven modes
- Power
- 2× AA
- Line
- Professional
Common questions
What range does this listing claim?
The measuring-range attribute says 24 meters. The title and the five bullets do not state a metre figure, and they do not state an accuracy. Bosch Professional GB lists 0.05–40 m for this part.
Which batteries are in the box?
The included-items line is two AA 1.5 V LR6 cells, plus a pouch and manuals. A bullet also says it is compatible with a Li-ion pack, and the battery-description field says Lithium-Ion.
Does it measure a width from across the room?
A UK review says it only measures directly ahead, not a width from a distance. The bullets list seven modes and automatic length, area and volume, without naming an indirect-width mode.
Our view
The GLM 50-27 C is the IP65 Professional meter with MeasureOn, a colour display, vibration feedback and indirect measurements, listed at £151.95. The amazon.co.uk line is 4.7 from 12,691, the same count and the same first review texts as the green GLM 50-27 CG, so count that pool once. The listing bullets do not state a range in metres. Bosch Professional GB states 0.05–50 m, 635 nm and ±1.5 mm for this part. The included-items bullet lists two AA cells, a hand strap and a pouch, while the batteries-included attribute says no. Reviews in the shared pool praise floor plans when Bluetooth connects and also call MeasureOn poor or not a reason to buy. It is the 50 m choice when you want AA cells and an app named on the listing, and you accept that this page never prints the 50 m figure.
Pros
- IP65, a 1.5 m drop on concrete, and a colour display with vibration feedback
- MeasureOn, angles, indirect measurement and the last 30 readings named in the bullets
- Two AA cells listed in the included-items bullet, plus a hand strap and a pouch
- A large shared review file at 4.7, if you count it once
Cons
- This listing does not state the range in metres
- Batteries-included says no beside a bullet that lists two AA cells
- The 12,691 reviews are the same pool as the GLM 50-27 CG
- MeasureOn is praised and also called poor in that shared file
Best for: You want a 50 m Professional meter on AA cells with MeasureOn, and you will take the range from Bosch’s page because Amazon omits it.
Less suitable: You need 50 m printed on the amazon.co.uk bullets, or a green spot.
Specifications
- Model
- Bosch Professional GLM 50-27 C
- Brand
- Bosch
- Price
- ∼£152
- Customer rating
- 4.7/5(12,691)
- Stated range
- Not on listing
- Laser colour
- Not stated
- Sealing
- IP65
- Drop resistance
- 1.5 m
- Measuring jobs
- Area and indirect
- App
- MeasureOn
- Power
- 2× AA
- Line
- Professional
Common questions
Is it waterproof?
The listing asks that and answers with Water Resistant plus IP65, and a 1.5 m drop on hard concrete. That is dust and water jets on the IP scale, not a claim that you can submerge it.
Are batteries in the box?
The included-items bullet lists two AA batteries, a hand strap and a pouch. The batteries-included attribute says no. The page title does not state a range in metres.
Whose reviews are the 12,691?
This ASIN and the GLM 50-27 CG (B08XZF15M6) show the same 4.7 from 12,691, and the first 50 review texts match. Many of those texts name a GLM 50 C or a red laser, so do not treat the count as two separate samples.
Our view
The GLM 50-27 CG is the green Professional kit with MeasureOn, IP65, a colour display and one 3.7 V Li-ion cell, listed at £199. The attribute says 50 metres. The bullets do not, and they do not state an accuracy. It shares the 4.7 from 12,691 with the GLM 50-27 C, including texts that name a red GLM 50 C, so the stars are not a green-versus-red test. Reviews in that pool call the rechargeable cell short-lived and say it can need a charge before a job, while others like the green spot indoors and out to roughly 15–18 m. A USB-A to USB-C cable, a hand strap and a pouch are in the box. Bosch’s own page for this part still describes bright indoor conditions, not full sun. You pay the top of the 50 m band for a green spot and a Li-ion kit, and the shared review file is the limit on how much those stars can tell you.
Pros
- Green spot, IP65 and a 1.5 m drop on concrete
- MeasureOn, vibration feedback and help animations
- One 3.7 V Li-ion cell and a USB-A to USB-C cable in the box
- A pouch and a hand strap included
Cons
- The 50 m figure is an attribute, not a bullet, and accuracy is not stated
- The 12,691 reviews are shared with the red GLM 50-27 C
- Reviews in that pool call the Li-ion pack short-lived
- Bosch describes bright indoor conditions, not full sun
Best for: You want the green 50 m meter with MeasureOn and you will charge the Li-ion cell before a job.
Less suitable: You want AA cells, a review file that is only about this green kit, or sunny outdoor work.
Specifications
- Model
- Bosch Professional GLM 50-27 CG
- Brand
- Bosch
- Price
- ∼£199
- Customer rating
- 4.7/5(12,691)
- Stated range
- Attribute 50 m
- Laser colour
- Green
- Sealing
- IP65
- Drop resistance
- 1.5 m
- Measuring jobs
- Display and vibration
- App
- MeasureOn
- Power
- 3.7 V Li-ion
- Line
- Professional
Common questions
Is it dust resistant?
The listing says IP65 and a 1.5 m drop on hard concrete. The water-resistance attribute says Water Resistant, which is not the same as submersion.
What battery does it use?
The kit is one 3.7 V Li-ion cell and a USB-A to USB-C cable, plus a hand strap and a pouch. Reviews in the shared pool call rechargeable life poor and say the cell can die while the tool is off.
Are the 12,691 reviews only for this green model?
No. The GLM 50-27 C listing shows the same 4.7 from 12,691 and the same first 50 texts. Those texts mix a GLM 50 C, a red spot and this green kit, so count the pool once.
Our view
The GLM 150-27 C is the camera meter for a long shot. The title and the attribute say up to 150 m at ±1.5 mm*, with a zoom viewfinder so you can place the spot when you cannot see it, listed at £299.44 with 4.7 from 386 reviews. UK reviews that mention the screen treat it as the way to confirm a distant target, and more than one praises battery life. The listing does not name the laser colour. Bosch Professional GB states 650 nm red, class 2 and 0.08–150 m. A UK review expected point-to-point at this price and did not find it on the tool. The seal is IP54, not IP65, the charge lead is micro-USB, and more than one review reports a dead screen on arrival. It is the outdoor tool in this set when the spot disappears, and it is a poor buy if you only measure rooms.
Pros
- Camera viewfinder with zoom and a stated range of up to 150 m
- 4.7 from 386 reviews, with the screen praised for placing a distant target
- Integrated 3.6 V Li-ion, picture memory, MeasureOn, hand strap and pouch
- Named for bright outdoor environments on the listing
Cons
- Point-to-point is not on the listing, and a UK review did not find it
- IP54, not the IP65 of the 50 m tools, and the lead is micro-USB
- More than one review reports a dead screen on arrival
- Laser colour is not on the Amazon page
Best for: You need to place a spot you cannot see, over a long outdoor distance, and you accept IP54.
Less suitable: Room sizes in a flat, point-to-point, or a tool you can drop in driving rain.
Specifications
- Model
- Bosch Professional GLM 150-27 C
- Brand
- Bosch
- Price
- ∼£299
- Customer rating
- 4.7/5(386)
- Stated range
- Up to 150 m
- Stated accuracy
- ±1.5 mm*
- Laser colour
- Not stated
- Sealing
- IP54
- Measuring jobs
- Camera viewfinder
- App
- MeasureOn
- Power
- 3.6 V Li-ion
- Line
- Professional
Common questions
Can it measure long distances?
The title and the attribute say up to 150 m, with ±1.5 mm* and a camera viewfinder so you can place the spot on a distant target. The bullet also names bright outdoor environments. Laser colour is not stated. Bosch Professional GB states 650 nm red, class 2 and 0.08–150 m.
Does it come with a carry case?
Yes. The box list is the meter, an integrated 3.6 V Li-ion battery, a micro-USB cable, a hand strap and a pouch.
Does it do point-to-point?
Point-to-point is not named on the listing. A UK review expected it at this price and did not find it. What is named is the camera, picture memory, MeasureOn and IP54.
Our view
The GLM 40 is the compact Professional meter whose listing states 0.15–40 m, ±1.5 mm, laser class 2, IP54 and a 1 m drop, at £74.99. The amazon.co.uk line is 4.6 from 11,498 reviews, the deepest count in this set that is not shared with another ASIN. It stores the last ten readings and calculates length, indirect height, area and volume, with two AAA cells and a protective bag in the included-items line. More than one UK review says the pouch was missing from the parcel, so check the box. A UK review also says sunlight ruins the beam and that about 20 m on a white wall was the practical daytime limit for that user. The file disagrees with itself on weight, 70 g against a 410 g unit-count field. It is the indoor trade meter when you want the accuracy and the range written on the listing, and you do not need IP65.
Pros
- 0.15–40 m, ±1.5 mm and laser class 2 all stated on the listing
- 4.6 from 11,498 reviews, a count that is not shared with another ASIN here
- IP54, a 1 m drop line, and the last ten readings on the tool
- Two AAA cells and a protective bag named in the box list
Cons
- More than one UK review says the pouch was missing from the parcel
- A UK review puts the practical daytime limit at about 20 m on a white wall
- Weight lines disagree: 70 g and a 410 g unit-count field
- No app is named
Best for: You measure rooms every week indoors and want ±1.5 mm and 40 m written on the amazon.co.uk page.
Less suitable: A dusty bag that needs IP65, or a shot in sun where the spot disappears.
Specifications
- Model
- Bosch Professional GLM 40
- Brand
- Bosch
- Price
- ∼£75
- Customer rating
- 4.6/5(11,498)
- Stated range
- 0.15–40 m
- Stated accuracy
- ±1.5 mm
- Laser colour
- Not stated
- Sealing
- IP54
- Drop resistance
- 1 m
- Measuring jobs
- Area and volume
- Power
- 2× AAA
- Line
- Professional
Common questions
What is the measuring range?
The title says 0.15–40 m. The technical bullet repeats up to 40 m, laser class 2, IP54, 1 m impact resistance and ±1.5 mm.
Does it come with a protective case?
The listing includes a protective bag. One UK review says the pouch was missing from the parcel, so check the box when it arrives.
Is there an app?
No app is named. The meter stores the last ten measurements on the tool itself and calculates length, indirect height, area and volume.
Our view
The EasyDistance 20 measures a straight distance up to 20 m from one button, which is the job the amazon.co.uk listing prices at £43.99. The title, the bullet and the range attribute all say 20 m, with accuracy written as ±3 mm/m, and the box is the meter, two AAA alkaline cells, a manual and cardboard, with no pouch. Across 4.6 from 654 reviews it is the pocket tool people reach for in a room, and a UK review still kept a tape for fine carpentry. That same review found the red dot hard to see beyond about 12 m in daylight, and fine at 20 m in darker conditions. Bosch DIY writes ±3.0 mm rather than ±3 mm/m, so those two lines are not one figure. There is no area mode. At this price, with a repeated 20 m claim and a large review file, it is the best value in the set when the room is the whole job.
Pros
- One button and a 20 m figure repeated in the title, the bullet and the attribute
- 4.6 from 654 reviews at £43.99, with two AAA alkaline cells in the box
- 70 g pocket body
- Distance-only layout if you do not want modes to learn
Cons
- No pouch in the included-components line
- A UK review found the red dot hard to see beyond about 12 m in daylight
- The listing writes ±3 mm/m; Bosch DIY writes ±3.0 mm
- No area or volume on the tool
Best for: You want a pocket meter for rooms inside about 20 m and you already keep a tape for the cut.
Less suitable: Daylight shots past about 12 m, a dusty site bag, or area and volume on the tool itself.
Specifications
- Model
- Bosch EasyDistance 20
- Brand
- Bosch
- Price
- ∼£44
- Customer rating
- 4.6/5(654)
- Stated range
- 20 m
- Stated accuracy
- ±3 mm/m
- Laser colour
- Not stated
- Sealing
- Water resistant, no IP
- Measuring jobs
- Distance only
- Power
- 2× AAA
- Line
- DIY
Common questions
How far does the EasyDistance 20 measure?
The title, the bullet and the Amazon attribute all say up to 20 m, with an accuracy of ±3 mm/m. Bosch DIY writes ±3.0 mm rather than ±3 mm/m, so those two lines are not one figure. A UK review still kept a tape for fine carpentry.
Does it come with a case?
No pouch is listed. The box contents are the meter, two AAA alkaline cells, a manual and an e-commerce cardboard box.
Can you see the spot in daylight?
The listing does not name the laser colour. A UK review found the red dot hard to see beyond about 12 m in daylight, and fine at 20 m in darker conditions.
Our view
The GLM 50-23 G is the green Professional meter with a tilt sensor, a colour display and a stated range of up to 50 m at ±1.5 mm*, listed at £188.46 with 4.6 from 520 reviews. The bullet says the green spot is easier to see than red for long measurements in bright indoor conditions, and a UK review agrees it helps in relatively bright sun and is not much use in full sun. IP65 and a 1.5 m drop on concrete are on the listing, with two AA cells, a hand strap and a pouch in the box. No app or Bluetooth is named, and a review that expected MeasureOn could not use that workflow. One UK review could not measure at 52 m, which is past the stated 50 m, and another calculated that the optional rechargeable pack holds about a third of the capacity of two ordinary AA cells. Amazon’s Waterproof attribute is looser than IP65: dust and jets, not submersion.
Pros
- Green spot, up to 50 m and ±1.5 mm* stated on the listing
- Tilt sensor for inclination and angle, plus a colour display
- IP65, a 1.5 m drop, two AA cells and a pouch
- 4.6 from 520 reviews that are not the shared 12,691 pool
Cons
- A UK review says the green dot is not much use in full sun
- No Bluetooth or MeasureOn is named, which surprised at least one buyer
- The optional rechargeable pack was judged weaker than two AA cells by one UK review
- Amazon says Waterproof; IP65 is not submersion
Best for: You want a green spot and a tilt sensor on AA cells, and you do not need a phone plan.
Less suitable: Full sun, MeasureOn, or a shot past the stated 50 m.
Specifications
- Model
- Bosch Professional GLM 50-23 G
- Brand
- Bosch
- Price
- ∼£188
- Customer rating
- 4.6/5(520)
- Stated range
- Up to 50 m
- Stated accuracy
- ±1.5 mm*
- Laser colour
- Green
- Sealing
- IP65
- Drop resistance
- 1.5 m
- Measuring jobs
- Tilt and angle
- Power
- 2× AA
- Line
- Professional
Common questions
Does the green spot work in full sun?
The bullet says the green spot is easier to see than red for long measurements in bright indoor conditions. A UK review agrees it is easier than red in relatively bright sun, and says it is not much use outdoors in full sun.
Does it come with a case?
Yes. The Amazon Exclusive kit lists the GLM 50-23 G with tilt sensor, two AA batteries, a hand strap and a pouch.
Is there Bluetooth?
The listing does not name an app or Bluetooth. A review says this model has no Bluetooth. Inclination and angle measurement are on the tool, via the tilt sensor.
Our view
The UniversalDistance 40C is the DIY meter that sends length, area, volume and a continuous reading to MeasureOn over Bluetooth, listed at £69.32 with 4.6 from 380 reviews. The title and the item-type name say 30 m, while the first bullet and the measuring-range attribute say 40 m at a typical ±2 mm, and Bosch DIY states 0.05–40 m. A soft bag and two AAA cells are in the box, and the listing prints IP54. UK reviews split on the app: some find the plan useful, and one calls the Android app buggy, with a mapped-room export behind a premium subscription. The laser colour is not named on the page. You buy it when a phone plan matters and you can live with two range figures on the same listing.
Pros
- Length, area, volume and continuous measurement on the tool
- MeasureOn over Bluetooth, plus a soft bag and two AAA cells
- IP54 printed on the listing
- 4.6 from 380 reviews at £69.32
Cons
- The title says 30 m and the bullet and attribute say 40 m
- A UK review calls the Android app buggy, and exporting a mapped room needs a premium subscription
- The laser colour is not named
- The bag is soft, not a hard case
Best for: You want a DIY meter that can sketch a room in MeasureOn and you will read both range figures before you buy.
Less suitable: You want one range number on the page, or you would rather write the lengths in a notebook.
Specifications
- Model
- Bosch UniversalDistance 40C
- Brand
- Bosch
- Price
- ∼£69
- Customer rating
- 4.6/5(380)
- Stated range
- Title 30; bullet 40 m
- Stated accuracy
- ±2 mm typical
- Laser colour
- Not stated
- Sealing
- IP54
- Measuring jobs
- Area and volume
- App
- MeasureOn
- Power
- 2× AAA
- Line
- DIY
Common questions
Is the range 30 m or 40 m?
Both figures are on the same amazon.co.uk listing. The title and the item-type name say 30 m. The first bullet and the measuring-range attribute say 40 m, with a typical accuracy of ±2 mm. Bosch DIY states 0.05–40 m.
Does it come with a case?
A soft bag is in the scope of delivery, with two AAA batteries and a manual. It is not described as a hard case.
Does MeasureOn store the plan for free?
The listing says you can send measurements to MeasureOn over Bluetooth and add photos, plans and notes. A UK review says the Android app is buggy and that exporting a mapped room needs a premium subscription.
Our view
The Zamo 4th generation adds area and a memory of the last ten readings to a 25 m DIY meter listed at £49.28. The star line is 4.0 from 187 reviews, the lowest in this comparison, and the box is the tool plus two AAA NiMH cells, a quick start and a manual, not the tape, wheel or line adapters. UK reviews split on the cells: some like USB-C charging, and several report fast drain, a unit that will not hold a charge, or a warm body while charging. The spec block lists two 1.2 V AAA NiMH cells and does not state alkaline compatibility. One review that says alkaline cells work also writes 3× AA, which does not match the 2× AAA line. A UK text that calls the meter metres only and dates it to 2015 may describe another generation, so do not treat it as this listing’s spec. You pay a little more than the EasyDistance and take on a battery system the reviews argue about.
Pros
- Up to 25 m with distance and area, and a memory of the last ten
- Two AAA NiMH cells and USB-C charging named on the listing
- 61 g, lighter than the EasyDistance
- Adapters exist if you later want a tape, wheel or line
Cons
- 4.0 from 187 reviews, the lowest star line in the set
- UK reviews report fast drain, a cell that will not hold charge, or warmth while charging
- Tape, wheel and line adapters are sold separately
- Alkaline compatibility is not stated, and one review’s 3× AA line does not match the 2× AAA spec
Best for: You want area on a small DIY meter and you accept USB-C NiMH cells instead of ordinary AAA alkalines.
Less suitable: You want the adapters in the box, or you would rather swap alkaline cells than chase a charge.
Specifications
- Model
- Bosch Zamo 4th generation
- Brand
- Bosch
- Price
- ∼£49
- Customer rating
- 4.0/5(187)
- Stated range
- 25 m
- Stated accuracy
- ±2 mm/m
- Laser colour
- Not stated
- Measuring jobs
- Distance and area
- Power
- 2× AAA NiMH
- Line
- DIY
Common questions
Are the tape, wheel and line adapters included?
No. The listing says those attachments are available separately. The box is the Zamo, two rechargeable AAA cells, a quick start, a manual and cardboard.
How long do the batteries last?
The listing does not give a runtime. UK reviews split: some like USB-C charging, and several report fast drain, a unit that will not hold charge, or a warm unit while charging.
Can you use ordinary batteries?
The spec block lists two 1.2 V AAA NiMH cells. It does not state alkaline compatibility. One review says alkaline cells work, and that review also writes 3× AA, which does not match the 2× AAA spec.
How we compared
Nine laser-rangefinder listings on amazon.co.uk were scored on 20 October 2026 from shelf price, stars, review count, stated range, stated accuracy, sealing, drop line, measuring jobs, app and power, plus the review themes already on the rows. No laboratory measurement. Manufacturer pages are used only to name a conflict. They do not replace the amazon.co.uk price or star line. The shared 4.7 from 12,691 is one pool, so that depth is not awarded twice.
1
Amazon stars
24%Up to 24 points from the amazon.co.uk star line. A 4.8 line scores above a 4.6 line. The 4.0 line is the clear deduction in this set.
2
Review depth
22%Up to 22 points on a log scale of the amazon.co.uk count. The 4.7 from 12,691 on two ASINs is one shared pool, so neither listing receives the full depth points twice.
3
Range and accuracy
20%Up to 20 points for how complete and consistent the range and accuracy lines are. A repeated 20 m or 0.15–40 m figure scores above a title that says 30 m while the bullet says 40 m, and above an attribute that says 24 metres while the bullets state no range.
4
Sealing, drop and box
18%Up to 18 points for sealing, a drop line, modes and what is in the box. IP65 and a stated 1.5 m drop score above a pocket tool with no pouch. A missing range on the listing caps this block.
5
Price against class
16%Up to 16 points for the shelf price against that class. A one-button room meter is not scored as if it were a 150 m camera tool, and a camera tool is not penalised for failing to be a pocket meter.
Independent review
Last updated: October 2026
8 sources checked
Bosch laser rangefinder buying guide
Start with the range the job needs, then whether the listing agrees with itself, then the spot, the seal and the cells. The notes below follow that order for these nine amazon.co.uk listings. None of the scores is a laboratory test.
What is a laser rangefinder?
A laser rangefinder in this comparison is a handheld class 2 distance meter, not a cross-line laser. You use one to read a length to a surface. UK shoppers choose a DIY tool for a flat or a Professional GLM tool for site work. Tell them apart by range, the accuracy line, the IP rating, and whether you can see the spot or need a camera. Shelf prices here are GBP figures from amazon.co.uk, read on 20 October 2026. They are not a promise of today’s offer.
Best for
- Rooms inside about 20 m when you already keep a tape for the cut
- Indoor trade when you want IP65 and a stated drop, and you will read both range figures
- A long outdoor shot when the spot disappears and you accept IP54
Not ideal for
- Full sun on a green 50 m spot, which Bosch does not mark for sunny outdoor work
- A level line on a wall, which is a different tool from a distance meter
- Boundaries or structural openings, which need a surveyor
Mistakes to avoid
- 1
Buying unused range
A flat does not need a 150 m camera meter. A dusty bag does not want a one-button pocket tool with no pouch. Match 20 m, 40 to 50 m, or 150 m to the job you actually do.
- 2
Reading one metre figure and ignoring the other
The UniversalDistance title says 30 m and the bullet says 40 m. The GLM 40-31 attribute says 24 metres and the bullets state no range. Do not copy either figure as if the other line did not exist.
- 3
Counting 12,691 twice, or treating green as full sun
The GLM 50-27 C and the GLM 50-27 CG share one review pool. A green spot helps in bright indoor light. Bosch’s overview does not mark those 50 m tools for sunny outdoor work.
What to weigh up
Range, accuracy and the spot
HighRange is the first check, and the accuracy line has to sit on the same page without a second figure that contradicts it. About 20 m covers many rooms. About 40 to 50 m covers larger indoor work. About 150 m is the long outdoor shot, and that is the camera meter’s job. A repeated 20 m line, or a 0.15–40 m line, is easier to trust than a title that says 30 m while the bullet says 40 m, or an attribute that says 24 metres while the bullets state no range.
Sealing, power and a consistent listing
MediumSealing, the drop line, the modes and the box are the next block, and a missing range on the listing caps how much that block can carry. IP65 and a stated 1.5 m drop sit on the GLM 40-31, both GLM 50-27 models and the GLM 50-23 G. The GLM 40 is IP54 and 1 m. The GLM 150-27 C is IP54. IP65 means dust and water jets, not immersion, and Amazon’s word waterproof on the GLM 50-23 G does not change that. Distance only is the EasyDistance. Area sits on the Zamo and the GLM 40.
Which option suits you?
Three typical situations, each with a recommendation from this comparison.
Indoor trade and dust
You measure rooms every week and want a stated drop and IP65. The GLM 40-31 is about £90.28, with 4.8 from 295 reviews, a colour display and seven modes. The Amazon attribute says 24 metres. Bosch Professional GB lists 0.05–40 m.
A spot you cannot see
You need to place a spot over a long outdoor distance. The GLM 150-27 C is about £299.44, with 4.7 from 386 reviews, a camera viewfinder and a stated range of up to 150 m. It is IP54. Point-to-point is not on the listing.
Common questions about Bosch laser rangefinders
Which Bosch laser rangefinder is the top pick in this set?
The top pick is the Bosch Professional GLM 40-31 at about £90.28. The amazon.co.uk line is 4.8 from 295 reviews, with IP65, a colour display, seven modes and a stated 1.5 m drop on concrete. The measuring-range attribute says 24 metres, and the bullets state no range and no accuracy. Bosch Professional GB lists 0.05–40 m. The score uses those listing facts from 20 October 2026. It is not a laboratory test.
How much does a Bosch laser rangefinder cost on amazon.co.uk in this comparison?
Shelf prices in this set run from about £43.99 to £299.44, read on 20 October 2026. That range is this comparison, not a market average. Entry listings sit about £44 to £50. Mid listings sit about £69 to £90. The 50 m professional tools sit about £152 to £199. The camera meter is about £299.44. A maker’s including-VAT price on its own page does not replace the ASIN price.
What should you check before you buy a laser rangefinder?
Match the stated range to the job: about 20 m for many rooms, 40 to 50 m for larger indoor work, and 150 m for a long outdoor shot. Then read whether the title, the bullet and the attribute agree. Check the IP rating and any drop line. IP65 is dust and water jets, not immersion. Decide if you can see the spot or need a camera. The order of those checks is in the laser rangefinder buying guide.
Is a green laser spot usable in full sun?
No. A green spot is easier to see than red for long measurements in bright indoor conditions. A UK review of a green 50 m meter agrees it helps in relatively bright sun and says it is not much use in full sun. Bosch’s overview reserves sunny outdoor work for the long-range camera models. Do not treat green as a full-sun beam. Bright indoor light and full sun are different jobs.
Does IP65 or the word waterproof mean you can submerge the meter?
No. IP65 on these listings means dust-tight and protected against water jets, plus, where stated, a drop on concrete. The Amazon word waterproof on one listing is looser than that code. It is not a claim that you can immerse the tool. The camera meter in this set is IP54, not IP65. None of these meters is a mains tool, and none uses a BS 1363 plug.
Are these laser rangefinders eye-safe?
Do not call them eye-safe. Where the maker states a class, they are laser class 2, under 1 mW, against BS EN 60825-1. GOV.UK says short exposure is what the blink reflex is for, staring is hazardous, and dazzle still matters at height. Eye-safe is only for class 1. HSE treats class 2 as safe in normal use. Employers assess foreseeable risk under the Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010.
Why do two 50 m listings show 12,691 reviews?
The GLM 50-27 C and the GLM 50-27 CG show the same 4.7 from 12,691, and the first review texts match. Many of those texts name a GLM 50 C or a red laser. Count that pool once. It is not a green-versus-red test and it is not two samples. Other listings here have their own counts, including 11,498 on the GLM 40 and 295 on the GLM 40-31.
When is a laser rangefinder the wrong tool?
Leave this table when you need a level line on a wall rather than one length. That job is a Bosch cross line laser, not a distance meter. Call a surveyor for boundaries and structural openings. A dead battery or repeated errors is a return, not a measuring technique. Unused range, one angled shot used as a cut, and a title figure the same page contradicts are the usual mistakes.
Our verdict
In this set of nine amazon.co.uk listings, the top pick is the Bosch Professional GLM 40-31 at about £90.28. The star line is 4.8 from 295 reviews, with IP65, a colour display, seven modes and a stated 1.5 m drop on concrete. The measuring-range attribute says 24 metres, and the bullets state no range and no accuracy. Bosch Professional GB lists 0.05–40 m. The best value is the Bosch EasyDistance 20 at about £43.99, with 4.6 from 654 reviews and a 20 m figure that the title, the bullet and the attribute all repeat. The Zamo is close on price and loses on a 4.0 line and charging complaints. The GLM 40 is the stronger compact trade tool and costs about £74.99. None of these scores is a lab test, and the camera meter does not win on score.
Best overallView offer
Bosch Professional GLM 40-31
Highest score in the set: 4.8 from 295 reviews, IP65 and a stated 1.5 m drop. The 24 metre attribute still conflicts with Bosch Professional GB’s 0.05–40 m.
Best value
View offer
Bosch EasyDistance 20
About £43.99, 4.6 from 654 reviews, and a 20 m figure repeated in the title, the bullet and the attribute. No pouch, and the accuracy wording does not match Bosch DIY’s ±3.0 mm.
Editorial
Editor
Laser rangefindersMeasuring equipmentamazon.co.uk listings
Peter F. is the editor for DIY & tools at productscompared.co.uk. Comparisons in this category are checked against amazon.co.uk listings, review evidence and public UK sources.
Updated: October 2026
8 sources checked
Guides to Bosch laser rangefinders
Guides on what to look for, how to use a product, and common mistakes.
Bosch laser rangefinder buying guideRange, line, spot, sealing and app, without the full ASIN tableBest Bosch laser rangefinderOne model per job, and who should skip itHow to measure with a laser rangefinderReference edge, repeat shots, and when to keep a tapeGreen vs red laser rangefinderWhether a 515 nm spot is worth the extra poundsBosch laser rangefinder outdoorSun and long shots, centred on the camera meter
Related comparisons
Sources
Public UK sources from the research digest, last checked on 20 October 2026. Shelf prices and star lines are the amazon.co.uk figures captured with these nine listings. The price bands are this set, not a market average.
- GOV.UK laser radiation safety advice (retrieved 20 October 2026)
- HSE AOR employer guidance (retrieved 20 October 2026)
- SI 2010/1140 Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations (retrieved 20 October 2026)
- Bosch Professional GB GLM 40-31 (retrieved 20 October 2026)
- Bosch Professional GB GLM 50-27 C (retrieved 20 October 2026)
- Bosch Professional GB GLM 150-27 C (retrieved 20 October 2026)
- Bosch DIY GB EasyDistance 20 (retrieved 20 October 2026)
- Bosch GLM application overview (retrieved 20 October 2026)
This page contains affiliate links to amazon.co.uk. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices, stars and review counts are from the UK listings checked on 20 October 2026. We did not lab-test these laser rangefinders.