Dewalt DW088k vs DW089k: A Quick Comparison

Dewalt has got some of the best laser levelers.

Both DW088k and DW089K are fantastic tools, but they are made for a different job.

If you are unsure about which one to get, this blog post will make it super easy to select one.

Dewalt DW088k vs DW089k

The significant difference between the DW088k vs DW089K is the number of LASER BEAMS.

DW088K has two laser beams, making it a Cross Line Laser. While the DW089k has three laser beams, making it a Cross Line Plus 90° Laser.

So both cross-line lasers are very different with different applications and usage. Here is a quick summary to understand the technical difference.

Product Title

DEWALT DW088K

DEWALT DW089K

Number of Beams

2 Beams (2-Axis)

3 Beams (3-Axis)

Number of AA Cells

Needs 3 Cells to Operate

Needs 4 Cells to Operate

Beam Color

Red (K-Model)

Laser Strength

Class 2, Power output ≤ 1mW

Class 2, Power output ≤ 1.50mW

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Here is a pictorial explanation of the basic difference between the DW088 and the DW089 Series.

Application Difference of 2 Beam Laser vs 3 Beam Laser

Before you make a decision on which one to buy, you should understand the benefit of one over another.

We know both of these tools can be used for the same type of jobs which can be plumbing walls, leveling walls to foundation, laying steel tracks, boards, etc.

The main difference between a 3 Beam Laser vs a 2 Beam Laser is the extra 90-degree plain which helps complete the job more quickly as seen in the image below.

As shown in the image, we can work on two walls, and the floor simultaneously when the device is kept lower on the ground. If it’s kept on a tripod, it can be easily used on two walls, but the projects on the floor will not be sharp enough.

So, you have to make a decision on the basis of how important it is for you to have a 3-axis alignment in a single go vs you keep moving your 2 beam planer to get the job done.

If you get the 2 Beam Dewalt Dw088K, it can be used to perform everything the 3 Beam Dewalt DW089K can do. You will just have to be a little creative for that.

Range & Accuracy of Dewalt DW088k vs DW089k

Both these DW088k and Dw089K have the same +/- 1/8″ accuracy and a range of approx 50 feet without a detector. With a detector, they have a range of 165 feet.

However, the brightness of DW089 is twice the DW088.

Weight of Dewalt DW088k vs DW089k

Since both of these lasers have different applications and features, selecting one on the basis of weight is pointless. But I will still mention the weight of both devices.

The Dw088k is 3.60 lb and DW089K is 4.90 Lb.

Difference between Dw088k vs Dw088LR vs Dw088CG vs Dw088LG

So, the 2 Beam Laser DW088 series comes in four different models. Here is a quick comparison between all of them.

The Dw088k and DW088CG both are exactly the same but have different color laser beams. The K version is RED and CG version is Green. The green one has better visibility in daylight. Both versions run on 3 AA cells.

The Dw088LR and DW088LG both are exactly the same with a rechargeable 12V battery but have different color laser beams. The LR version is RED and LG version is Green. The green one has better visibility in daylight.

Image	Product	Features	Price
	DW088K	Red Laser 3 AA Cell Version	Check Price
	DW088CG	Green Laser 3 AA Cell Version	Check Price
	DW088LR	Red Laser 12V Li-ion Rechargeable Battery	Check Price
Editor's Choice	DW088LG	Green Laser 12V Li-ion Rechargeable Battery	Check Price

I personally prefer the DW088LG version due to the rechargeable battery and green light.

Difference between Dw089k vs Dw089LR vs Dw089CG vs Dw089LG

The 3 Beam Laser DW089 series also comes in four different models. Here is a quick comparison between all of them.

The Dw089k and DW089CG both are exactly the same but have different color laser beams. The K version is RED and CG version is Green. The green one has better visibility in daylight. Both versions run on 4 AA cells.

Similarly, the Dw089LR and DW089LG both are exactly the same with a rechargeable 12V MAX battery but have different color laser beams. The LR version is RED and LG version is Green. The green one has better visibility in daylight.

DW089 Cell Version vs Rechargable

However, the DW089 rechargeable devices are not the same as the DW089 AA cell ones. They have totally different shapes and structures. However, the functionality is exactly the same.

Here is a quick summary:

Image	Product	Features	Price
	DW089K	Red Laser 3 AA Cell Version	Check Price
	DW089CG	Green Laser 3 AA Cell Version	Check Price
	DW089LR	Red Laser 12V Li-ion Rechargeable Battery	Check Price
Editor's Choice	DW089LG	Green Laser 12V Li-ion Rechargeable Battery	Check Price

Again, I personally prefer the DW089LG version due to the rechargeable battery and green light. However, it is extremely expensive.

Conclusion

In the end, I will suggest getting the 2 Beam Cross-Line planner if you are a beginner and you don’t see any additional benefit of having a 3 beam setup.

If you are a professional and have an additional budget, then go for the 3 Beam DW089 Series.

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