Top 12 Best Stud Finders Reviewed

Stud finders are a handy tool to have around the home. If you want to hang a shelf or even picture frames it can be very important to ensure you nail it into the wall stud or wall anchor point.

Wall studs are the 2 x 4 wood framing that supports the house. So when it comes to doing anything to your walls it is very important to know where the studs are.

Say you want to hang a large mirror, bookcases, shelving or any type of heavy item then you must use a stud finder.

Types of Stud Finders

Electronic Stud Finders

These are the most popular stud finders and work by measuring the relative density of the wall area.

If a higher density is detected it will light up which shows there is a stud there.

Magnetic Stud Finders

The cheaper version of electronic stud finders. As the name suggests it uses magnetism to identify if there are any nails or screws in the studs.

They aren’t as accurate or as quick to find studs as electronic ones but still work. The other issue with magnetic stud finders is they will pick up any product in the wall that is magnetic.

This includes any piping or metal conduits so make sure you keep that in mind.

Best Stud Finder

1. CH Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder

The CH Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder is the cheapest stud finder to make the review and as a result is one of the most popular.

If you are looking for a basic stud finder and you rarely use one then this is a good choice.

The stud finder uses magnetism to locate the wall stud which as I mentioned earlier isn’t the best.

The concern is for the other metallic objects that may be present and therefore not give an accurate reading of the wall stud location.

The CH Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder has a scan depth of 1inch and boasts an accuracy of +-0.5 inches. There is a bubble level as well.

It is small and compact and easily stored away or in the tool box. Due to the magnetism this stud finder is essentially hands free when in use.

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Small and compact
• Easy to use
• Hands free due to magnetism
• No batteries needed
• Comfortable to use

Cons

• Detects all types metals – not just nails and screws in the wall

For those who don’t use stud finders all that frequently the CH Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder is an inexpensive tool to have.  The popularity of this stud finder and glowing reviews speaks volumes for the product.

2. ProSensor 710 Franklin Sensors ProSensor 710 Precision Stud Finder

The ProSensor 710 Franklin Sensors ProSensor 710 Precision Stud Finder is also very popular and used by home owners to professionals in the industry. This stud finder is designed and assembled in the USA.

The stud sensing technology instantly finds studs without needing to slide the stud finder around. Through LED lights the detector senses the wall in 13 locations and then lights up where the elements in front of the stud.

Stud finder reads double and triple studs making it very effective and efficient at finding studs.

Fast and easy to use the ProSensor 710 Franklin Sensors ProSensor 710 Precision Stud Finder can be easily held and used in one hand and is available in yellow and blue.

Pros

• Efficient and very reliable
• Ergonomic handle
• Easy to use
• LED lights to show where the stud is
• Available in yellow or blue

Cons

• Price

If you want a high quality, highly accurate stud finder then the ProSensor 710 Franklin Sensors ProSensor 710 Precision Stud Finder is the stud finder for you!

3. Zircon StudSensor e50-FFP Edge Finding Stud Finder with Live AC WireWarning Detection

The Zircon StudSensor e50-FFP Edge Finding Stud Finder is a budget friendly yet still highly accurate stud finder.

Featuring electronic scanning the stud finder detects the edges of the wood and metal studs. It also alerts you of live AC wires which is extremely helpful when it comes to mounting a TV, cabinets etc.

The StudScan mode detects up to 0.75inches deep and there is also a DeepScan mode which locates targets up to 1.5inches deep.

The Zircon StudSensor e50-FFP Edge Finding Stud Finder requires one 9V battery which isn’t included with the purchase.

With an easy to read LCD display there is also a SpotLite Pointer which shines an arrow shaped light onto the wall which marks the target.

Pros

• Ergonomic, comfortable handle
• Easy to use
• Scans 0.75 to 1.5inches deep depending on mode
• Easy marking with the SpotLite Pointer

Cons

• Not too consistent with locating studs

The Zircon StudSensor e50-FFP Edge Finding Stud Finder  has two different scanning modes giving it a deep reading from 0.75 to 1.5inches. Quite a popular stud finder but I think there are better ones on the market.

4. ProSensor T6 Professional Stud Finder

The ProSensor T6 Professional Stud Finder is the smaller more compact version of the Franklin ProSensor earlier in the review.

Comprising of 6 sensors this stud finder is accurate and can detect studs in a wider area. There is no calibration required and it is very easy to use.

The LED lights iluminate when the centre and edge of the studs are located.

ProSensor T6 Professional Stud Finder is highly accurate and will get the job done efficiently and effectively.

Pros

• Compact
• Accurate and easy to use
• 6 sensors
• LED lights to show the stud location
• Comfortable to use

Cons

• Not as reliable as the full version – ProSensor 710 Franklin Sensors ProSensor 710 Precision Stud Finder

Overall the ProSensor T6 Professional Stud Finder is a great stud finder that is compact yet effective.

5. Zircon MetalliScanner m40- FFP Handheld Electronic Metal Detector

The Zircon MetalliScanner m40- FFP Handheld Electronic Metal Detector is highly effective at detecting both magnetic metal and non-magnetic material.

Due to this it can detect very easily metal in wood, drywall, paneling, tile, stucco, plaster, concrete and other non metallic surfaces as well. This is a very versatile stud finder!

The Zircon MetalliScanner m40- FFP Handheld Electronic Metal Detector runs off a 9 volt battery which is included with the purchase.

It can detect metal behind walls up to 4 inches deep and for non- ferrous or non-magnetic up to 2 inches deep.

Pros

• 40 functions
• Easy to use
• Handle is easy to hold and grip
• LED lights to indicate signal strength

Cons

• Requires calibration

The Zircon MetalliScanner m40- FFP Handheld Electronic Metal Detector is very multi functional device that will find just about anything in your walls!

 6. Precision Sensor ProFinder 6000+ Professional Stud Finder

The Precision Sensor ProFinder 6000+ Professional Stud Finder is the last stud finder to make the list! The updated or newer version of the 5000+ stud finder, this one is highly accurate and efficient.

Simple to use, just press and scan and the device does the rest for you. There is also a built in bubble level, integrated ruler and convenient pencil caddy.

There are a total of 13 sensors on this device which can detect up to 1.7inches deep. It can detect both wood and metal.

The Precision Sensor ProFinder 6000+ Professional Stud Finder needs 2 AA batteries to operated and they are included with the purchase.

7. Stud Finder Sensor Wall Scanner

If you are looking for a stud finder that works efficiently and provides quality results, then consider Tavool. It is popular for its accuracy, and this makes it one of the best you can find on the market.

The stud finder utilizes an advanced sensor technology which brings about accurate and quick results. It effectively locates studs, wood, metals, AC wires, etc. For improved safety, the stud finder detects and indicates live wires in the wall. Depending on what you want you to use a stud finder for, this one will give you quality results.

This digital wall scanner includes four different scanning modes. That is for woods, beams, joist, metals, AC wires and other deeply embedded objects in walls, ceilings or floors. The stud mode detects wooded beams and joists up to 1.2 inches. The metal mode locates pipe, rebar, aluminum, and copper up to 1.57 inches. The deep mode can find metal parts and wood up to 1.77 inches deep. The AC mode comes in handy to locate live wires up to 2.36 inches deep.

It features a large LCD which indicates the direction and intensity of beeping. This tells you how far or close you are to the target object. The quick detection saves on time making your task much easier to complete. Additionally, the stud finder has a comfortable grip for easy use, and with the automatic calibration, you can read results easily.

Pros

• Accurate and reliable
• Easy to use
• Comfortable to hold
• Easy-to-read display
• Multiple uses

Cons

• Price

When the Tavool stud finder is on, you could complete the calibration until the beep sound, and screen shows disappear. The calibration provides you with readability and more accuracy. The wood beam finer flashes and beeps once it finds the edge of the stud. It is indeed a handy tool for DIYs and other house projects.

8. Stud Finder Wall Scanner

Stud finders that can locate a variety of objects on hidden surfaces come in handy for different projects. This one from Vivreal is an excellent example of one that works effectively to find various objects in different surfaces.

The stud finder operates on four different modes. The stud scan works to find and locate the center and edges of wood or metal studs up to ¾ inches. The metal scan finds metal such as ½ rebar up to 2 ¼ inches deep. The deep mode can scan and locate walls for 1 ½ inch deep. The forth AC scan can find live wires up to 2 inches deep.

It has a graphic LCD which shows many parameters in detection. These are the mode, signal strength, battery indication, automatic calibration, etc. the low battery indicator icon displays when the battery is running low to remind you to replace before it exhausts.

This multi-function stud finder has a sound warning feature. It has a beep sound which acts when it detects an object. When you are scanning, the stud finder beeps continually and increases the sound intensity once it finds the exact location of the object, depending on the mode you choose.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Accurate results
• Reliable
• Multi-functional
• Easy display
• Comfortable grip

Cons

• Does not detect all metals, e.g. copper

The Vivreal stud finder will automatically calibrate itself when turned on. The calibration occurs when you place the device on the wall where there is no object. It is accurate and precise which makes it a handy tool for simple tasks. It is easy to use, and you can rely on it to find any object in walls, ceilings or floors.

9. Veken Stud Finder

When using a stud finder, accuracy is an essential feature that it has to meet. The Veken Stud Finder is designed to provide accurate and precise results in simple steps.

The stud finder has four modes for you to get the most out of it. It is a handy tool for DIYs and simple home projects. The deep mode scans walls for 1.5 inches deep. The metal mode locates metal up to 2.36 inches. The stud mode works to find and establish the center and edges of wood up to ¾ inches. The AC mode locates live AC wires up to 2 inches deep.

The stud finder has an automatic calibration technique. You need to hold the button until complete calibration by placing the stud finder on the wall when the screen shows and beep sound disappears. The automatic calibration helps with readability and accuracy which reduces errors and invalid results.

This stud finder is easy to use and provides you results in no time. It works by using only two buttons where one selects the mode, and the other is the scan button. This design makes it easy to figure out without the need for multiple processes to run the stud finder. It has a warning sound to alert you when an object is detected.

Pros

• Great value
• Easy to use
• Simple design
• Different modes
• Quick results
• Easy-to-read display

Cons

• Does not work well on textured surfaces

The Veken Stud Finder stud finder has an excellent circuit design and high-quality components to get you reliable results with minimal effort. It works efficiently to locate different objects in the wall, ceilings, and floors which makes it a must-have for various house projects. It is lightweight and has an excellent grip to enhance user experience.

10. Studpop Magnetic Stud Finder

The ideal stud finder should work on different surfaces to find various objects. This magnetic stud finder from Studpop is worth considering for a variety of projects that require object detection within surfaces.

One of the challenges of using a magnetic stud finder is that sometimes you have to feel the magnet tagging on the object once it detects it. But, with this one, it automatically holds on to the area without the need for you to find the exact area where the object is. Compared to other magnetic stud finders, this one is quite accurate and quick.

It works on plaster, lath, sheetrock, and tile. It locates stud edges and centers quickly in any ceiling or wall. The best thing about this stud finder is that it works pretty well on textured walls. It digs deep to detect objects as deep as 9 inches into the surfaces.

The stud finder has advanced features and design to provide you with the best experience. The unique popper indicates when it finds the hidden metal stud fasteners that are lodged into the wall or any other surface. It is made using premium ABS plastic which is designed to withstand regular use.

Pros

• Works efficiently
• Easy to use
• Indicates easily
• Works on different surfaces
• Reliable results

Cons

• Only locates up to ½ inch deep in walls

Another great thing is that the stud finder does not require the use of batteries to work efficiently. Also, it does not need calibration to get you the desired results. You can favorite frame, mirror or picture is more comfortable with the magnetic stud finder. You only need to side to slide it along the wall, and the indicator will show when the magnet finds a metal fastener in the wall.

11. Stud Finder Wall Scanner

This SainSmart Stud Finder is an excellent choice for small home projects as well as large professional construction works. It is designed to provide quick results in an easy scan process.

The stud finder has a backlit LCD display which shows different cues such as signal strength, detection mode, automatic calibration, and battery power indication. It comes in handy to read and show what the finder detects without having to make any guesses. It has a smart beep function which reminds you of the stud’s location and position to find the center quickly.

There are four different modes including the deep mode, metal scan, stud scan mode, and AC scan. Depending on the kind of tasks you have, you can use any of the modes to find a specific object. But, you need to go through the manual to scan the depth of the various modes. Each has a different thickness and will detect in minutes of setting up the stud finder.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Has four different scanning modes
• Comfortable grip
• Has a beeping sound for easy detection
• LCD display
• Reliable and accurate results

Cons

• Couldn’t find any

It is pretty easy to use the SainSmart Stud Finder. It comes with a single button on the middle of the device for selecting the different modes. The other button that is provided is on the left side which is designed to help you read the display easily. This, in turn, helps to quickly detect the objects found behind the walls or other surfaces. The stud finder has a rubber spray on the surface which gives it a comfortable grip for easy use.

12. Kuled Stud Finder

One of the qualities of a functional stud finder is the compact size. You want one that you can easily hold and move around without feeling any strain on your wrist. The Kuled Stud Finder is one of these and comes with a comfortable grip for easy use.

The stud sensor detects studs up to 1.71 inches and metal up to 3 inches. It also scans deep up to 1.25 inches and can identify live wires up to 3 inches deep into walls, ceiling or floors. It is a 3 in 1 scanner for wood, metal, deep and AC. This feature makes it a suitable choice for small house projects.

It quickly locates the edges and center of the wood, wall studs, metal pipes, and wooden joist. It can also be used to detect rebar behind walls, floors, and ceilings. If you need to locate where your AC lines pass, this stud finder can be a useful tool. You can get so much out of this small yet functional piece with few steps for quality results.

The stud finder is easy to use and only features three buttons. The first is the on and off button. The second step involves the probe type to determine the scan mode you wish to use. The last step is to press scan and hold horizontally across the object surface. The best part is that after 60 seconds the stud finder automatically switches off to save of batteries.

Pros

• 3-in-1 stud finder
• Easy to use
• Compact size
• Readable LCD display
• Auto-power feature
• Comes with a battery

Cons

• It is not accurate on textured walls

One of the features you will love with the Kuled Stud Finder is the easy to read LCD display. It shows the different parameters during the scan to show the progress. The sound warming helps to show the edges of the studs for quick results.

Bottom Line

When it comes to buying a stud finder there are many to choose from. The key thing to consider is the accuracy of the device. There are two methods of detection – electronic which measures density of magnetic which detects metal in the walls. When it comes to the best stud finder trust our detailed reviews for making an educated and informed decision!