Whether hanging a frame or building a surface, sometimes it's crucial to know that something is level and flat. It's an easy tool to miss when initially purchasing your stuff, but it really is a lifesaver when it's needed.
Spirit levels are made from a variety of materials, including aluminium, plastic, wood, cast iron and composite materials. Users of spirit levels are categorised as professional contractors and tradesman, such as carpenters, and there are also the do-it-yourselfers, such as a homeowner.
The best spirit levels at a glance:
Best for durability: Stanley Shock Proof Torpedo Level - View offer on Amazon UK
Best for accuracy: Bosch PLL 1 P Laser Spirit Level - View offer on Amazon UK
Best for ease of use: Firecore Small Magnet Torpedo Spirit Level - View offer on Amazon UK
Best for big projects: Spear & Jackson SL600 Spirit Level - View offer on Amazon UK
If you've neglected the use of a spirit level so far or your old tool is getting a little worn down, you'll want to invest in the best of the best. We've scoured the web for the best spirit levels available online from various reputable brands. Read on below to find out which ones we recommend!
Best for durability
Stanley is a familiar name to almost all in the DIY trade and for a good reason. Their products are reliable, sturdy, and get the job done; this spirit level is no exception.
Our Thoughts: With a strong magnet for ease of use on metal surfaces, this is a solid bit of kit. It's super accurate, and both the aluminium level and the rubber impact absorbers on the ends add to the sturdiness of the tool.
Pros
- Shockproof aluminium level adds loads of durability
- Highly visible vials are easy to read in all orientations
Cons
- Might require a gentle tap every now and then to recalibrate the bubble
Best for accuracy
Looking for laser-sharp accuracy? Then you'll want to splash out on this offering from Bosch. It works in line mode from 5m to 20m in laser point format, perfect for large projects where you need to be on point with your levelling.
Our Thoughts: It might be a little more expensive than a standard spirit bubble level, but it comes with all the bells and whistles you could ever need. It reigns supreme in terms of accuracy compared to traditional designs, as long as you're willing to put in the extra work to set it up correctly.
Pros
- Laser marking is perfect for drilling
- Comes with batteries included!
Cons
- Not ideal for outdoor use
Best for ease of use
This brilliant all-round choice has a powerful magnet and a sleek, compact design. It comes with a high-impact plastic shell an incredibly lightweight design, and is perfect for hands-free readings.
Our Thoughts: It's a great, reliable tool that won't break the bank either. It is only made from plastic, so you'll have to be a little more careful overall, but it can handle the odd knock here and there and provides wonderfully accurate readings, so long as you're not tossing it down your ladder from the top!
Pros
- Excellent price point
- Super easy to carry, and it feels good in the hand
Cons
- Not the most durable option
Best for big projects
Larger spirit levels aren't necessary for all DIY projects, but when it comes to grander scale construction, you'll need a full-size 24-inch spirit level. This offering from Spear & Jackson is perfect for just that!
Our Thoughts: It looks sleek and does an excellent job of providing accurate readings over greater distances than other traditional spirit levels. With a pretty appealing price point, too, it's a lovely choice to kit out your DIY toolbox.
Pros
- If 24 inches isn't long enough, there are tons of other options on this listing!
- Sturdy aluminium body
Cons
- Darker colours mean this one isn't as easy to read
Best for versatility
This one is real value for money - it's a laser spirit level, a tape measure and a traditional bubble level all in one! It has three projection modes for the laser level that are easy to switch between and can be switched on and off to save battery.
Our Thoughts: The measuring tape is a lovely bonus with a reach of 8ft, but what really matters is accuracy, and this level comes in with a solid rating in this field. Even better, the required AG 13 button batteries come included!
Pros
- Measuring tape includes both imperial and metric measurements
- Sturdy, stylish construction
Cons
- Strange batteries can be hard to replace when they do run out
What is a spirit level used for?
A Spirit Level is a tool used to indicate how parallel (level) or perpendicular (plumb) a surface is relative to the earth. A spirit level gets its name from the mineral spirit solution inside the levels.
Why are they called spirit levels?
A spirit level gets its name from the mineral spirit solution used in the little bubbles, which we all know are used to check that a surface is level. It's a strange-sounding name, but the tools are intuitive and add significantly to a DIY kit set.
What is the difference between water level and spirit level?
Water level has no (air) bubble in the body mass of water. It is used to measure plane. Spirit level has an air bubble indicating the slope of the plane.
What are the advantages of spirit level?
The primary benefit of using a spirit level is the accuracy it provides. It ensures that your projects are level, plumb, and sloped correctly, resulting in better-quality work.
Caitlin Evans is a Content Optimisation Executive with a passion for finding the best products on the market. She specialises in identifying features that make a product stand out from the rest that will help people make informed buying decisions.