Red Pro laser pointers – rechargeable

A rechargeable red laser pointer for everyday use

A red dot never goes out of style. It is the natural choice for lecturers, trainers and teachers, and many cat owners swear by it for the nightly chase around the living room. If you use your laser every day, a rechargeable red laser pointer from the Starlight Lasers Pro series means no more emptying the battery drawer: charge the Li-ion cell, and off you go. Both models have an output up to 1 mW, laser class 2, and an aluminium body.

The R1 Pro is the full-size model: 15 cm, an 18650 battery, a charger and two safety keys. The R2 Pro is the compact sibling at 11.2 cm with a 16340 battery and charger, light enough to live in a jacket pocket or a laptop bag.

Indicative visibility: approx. 30 m indoors, approx. 30–50 m in daylight on a shaded surface, approx. 100–150 m at dusk and approx. 300–500 m in the dark.

R1 Pro or R2 Pro?

Both lasers share the same honest, class 2 output; the choice is really about size, battery and keys. The larger 18650 cell in the R1 Pro means fewer trips to the charger, while the R2 Pro trades a little battery time for a shape that disappears into a pocket.

Pick the R1 Pro if the laser stays at home or in the classroom and you like the reassurance of safety keys – take the key out and nobody can switch it on by accident. Pick the R2 Pro if you carry it every day and want it as small as possible.

Comparing with the AAA pen? The M1 red laser pen is slimmer and needs no charging – great if you only use it occasionally. For tips on using a pointer in front of an audience, see laser pointers for presentations; for playtime, read our cat laser pointer guide. Spare batteries and a charger: laser pen batteries. Or see all rechargeable laser pens.

Whichever you choose: never aim at eyes, people, animals' eyes, vehicles, aircraft or reflective surfaces, keep it away from children and remember it is not a toy. Read our laser pointer safety guide.