Bosch GLM 30 vs GLM 40 - Where are the differences?

Let's take the two laser distance meters GLM 30 and GLM 40 the Make Bosch in the comparison and look at the differences.

measuring range / distance

The measuring range of a laser rangefinder is extremely important. The number describes the maximum distance the device can measure. For most devices the maximum distance can be derived from the name.

With 30,00 m the GLM 30 from Bosch has a smaller measuring range than the Bosch GLM 40 with 40,00 m. Thus the Bosch GLM 40 is better. However, if you do not need such a large measuring range, you can choose the smaller Bosch GLM 30 with less distance.

The minimum distance is the Bosch GLM 30 at 30,00 m. The Bosch GLM 40 can determine a minimum distance of 40,00 m for the measuring range.

The indicated measuring range usually refers to ideal conditions. Poor weather conditions can affect the measuring range. This includes fog, for example. This is interesting for use on construction sites. In home use, this usually plays hardly any role. Under bad conditions the possible measuring range is smaller.

Measuring accuracy

The better a laser rangefinder is, the more accurate the results. The differences here are in the range of a few millimeters.

With +/- 1,50 mm the Bosch GLM 40 has a lower measuring accuracy than the Bosch GLM 30 with +/- 2,00 mm. In comparison the GLM 30 performs better. Due to bad weather conditions the measuring accuracy can be worse. This is also the case with the measuring range.

Good rangefinders can output smaller steps in the measurement. Of course this also affects the accuracy of the measurement. In this comparison both laser distance meters have steps of minimal 1,00 mm. This means that the two devices lie on the same surface.

Measurement functions

Most devices offer even more than simple distance measurement. This includes area function, room function and summation.

An area function is not available for both devices in this comparison. The area function is used to calculate areas directly using the values determined on the device. Therefore you have to calculate areas manually with both devices.

A room function, with which you can determine volume (m³), you have to do without in both devices from the comparison. Of course, you can also perform this calculation manually with your measured values. However, this takes more time and is more error-prone.

Both models offer you the quite classical function of summing up directly at the measuring instrument. This allows you to quickly add up several measurements without having to stop.

There is a difference in the number of storage locations. The Bosch GLM 40 has 10 memory locations for measured values. With the Bosch GLM 30 there are 0 memory locations.

Inclination measurement

Some laser distance meters offer a tilt measurement. This allows to determine angles with the device. You have to do without it for the Bosch GLM 30 as well as for the Bosch GLM 40.

Accumulator and batteries

To save energy, both devices switch off automatically. The automatic switch-off time is 5 minutes for both measuring devices.