Top 7 Stud Finders: Expert Testing and In-Depth Reviews

Top-Rated Stud Finder: Best Overall Choice

For tackling any home improvement task, the Franklin Sensors ProSensor M90 is our top recommendation. This electronic stud finder, powered by batteries, boasts nine highly accurate sensors and nine precision LEDs that light up to outline the stud's dimensions, ensuring exceptional accuracy.

In our tests, the LED lights provided clear visibility of the entire stud, from its center to the edges, ensuring a thorough and accurate reading. It performed well on various surfaces, though we observed it detected metal faster than wood, electrical wiring, PVC pipes, and copper. 

This stud finder features a single-mode operation, eliminating the need to switch between settings, and requires no calibration—simply press the button to start scanning. Its straightforward design made it user-friendly and easy to interpret, accurately detecting studs on the first attempt. While it’s a high-quality tool, its larger size may be cumbersome for those with smaller hands. Nonetheless, its durability, efficiency, and time-saving capabilities make it a standout choice.

Sensor Type: Electronic | Max Detection Depth: 1.5 inches | Weight: 9 ounces

Top Affordable Stud Finder

You don’t have to spend a fortune to get reliable home tools—this budget-friendly Craftsman electronic stud finder offers everything you need for efficient home projects. During testing, we found it to be precise, lightweight, and user-friendly, making it an excellent choice for cost-conscious DIY enthusiasts.

This stud finder delivered precise and quick stud detection, requiring minimal calibration time. Since it identifies only the edges of studs, you’ll need to calculate the center based on the edge markings. While it includes useful LED lights, it lacks additional advanced features. However, its straightforward design ensures ease of use and reliable functionality. Its compact and lightweight build allows you to conveniently carry it in your pocket while working around the house. 

Sensor Type: Electronic | Max Detection Depth: 0.75 inches | Weight: 3.2 ounces

Top Magnetic Stud Finder

Magnetic stud finders detect nails instead of studs, and this model from Calculated Industries excelled in our tests for pinpointing hidden nails. This compact, quick-acting tool includes two removable teardrop-shaped magnetic markers, eliminating the need for pencil marks.

To operate this stud finder, move the magnet in a Z or S pattern to locate the first nail or screw. Detach one of the teardrop magnets, place it on the wall, and scan vertically to find the second nail or screw. Our tests confirmed the convenience of these detachable magnets for marking a vertical line to identify the stud's center. 

This affordable, handheld device is small enough to fit in your palm, making it easy to maneuver across walls. However, it occasionally struggled to detect very small nails or screws. Despite this, it remains user-friendly, compact, and practical.

Sensor Type: Magnetic | Max Detection Depth: Not listed | Weight: 4 ounces

Top Stud Finder for Beginners

For those new to DIY projects, the Franklin Sensors ProSensor 710 is an excellent choice. It requires no calibration or adjustments, and its bright LED lights allow you to easily visualize the widths of multiple studs simultaneously.

In our tests, it accurately and quickly detected studs (both metal and wood) behind drywall, paneling, and plaster, though it couldn’t identify electrical wiring. Its operation is straightforward—simply press the button and glide the stud finder across the surface to instantly locate studs. It’s also designed to fit comfortably in hands of all sizes.

This stud finder uses illuminated dots to mark the edges and center of each stud, providing a clear view before drilling or hammering. However, it doesn’t distinguish between materials, making it challenging to differentiate studs from pipes. During testing, we noticed that studs typically lit up three dots, while pipes lit up two, offering a hint about the material behind the wall. Although it’s pricier than many alternatives, its ease of use and accuracy make it a worthwhile investment. 

Sensor Type: Electronic | Max Detection Depth: 1.6 inches | Weight: 9 ounces

Top Stud Finder With Display

The Mecurate Stud Finder features a large, backlit LED screen that provides real-time alerts and directional arrows to speed up stud detection. During testing, it delivered the most reliable results with slow, deliberate passes over the wall rather than quick scans. It also includes five scanning modes for detecting various materials and a buzzer that signals when a stud is found.

This stud finder requires a few seconds of calibration before each use and the selection of the appropriate mode for the task. However, once set up, the display effectively identifies wiring, studs, and other materials. The combination of audio and visual cues makes it user-friendly, and the center cut-out allows for easy pencil markings. 

Sensor Type: Electronic | Max Detection Depth: 1.5 inches | Weight: 9.2 ounces

Top Stud Finder for PVC Pipes

For detecting PVC pipes, the Bosch electronic multi-scanner is an excellent choice. Although heavier than other models, it remains comfortable to handle and easy to operate. It boasts a significantly deeper detection depth, capable of locating wood, metal in concrete, live wiring, copper, and more. With three modes, an LCD display, and a flashing ring light, it provides clear and accurate results.

The display includes a bar chart that grows as you approach an object’s center, a color-changing light, and a beeping sound to guide you during use. However, it doesn’t indicate the object’s edges, and we found it performs best after five passes over the wall. While it’s the priciest option on our list, its quality justifies the cost for home renovations or critical improvement projects. 

Sensor Type: Electronic | Max Detection Depth: 4.75 inches | Weight: 1.7 pounds

Top Stud Finder for Copper Pipes

For those needing to locate studs near copper pipes, the DeWalt Stud Finder is an essential tool. During testing, this electronic stud finder accurately pinpointed the center of studs on any surface with a single slow pass, requiring no calibration. 

This tool features directional LED arrows to guide you toward the stud and a beeping sound that signals when the center is detected—though it doesn’t indicate the edges. It reliably identifies copper pipes and AC wires, and despite lacking a display screen, it’s intuitive to use. Its lightweight design, comfortable grip, and affordable price are additional advantages. However, it couldn’t detect PVC pipes in our tests, so for PVC-related projects, we suggest an alternative. 

Sensor Type: Electronic | Max Detection Depth: 1.5 inches | Weight: Not listed

Final Verdict

Our top recommendation is the Franklin Sensors ProSensor M90 Professional Stud Finder for its exceptional accuracy, useful LED lights, and user-friendly design. For a more budget-friendly option, the Craftsman Stud Sensor is a great choice, offering simplicity, portability, and precision.

Our Testing Process

To identify the top stud finders available, we tested 30 models in our lab. Each device was evaluated on three wall surfaces—drywall, plaster, and paneling—and assessed for detecting five object types: wood studs, metal studs, electrical wiring, PVC pipes, and copper pipes. 

We began by powering on each stud finder and following the manufacturer’s calibration instructions—some models required no setup, while others did. For models with multiple modes, we matched the mode to the corresponding object or material. We placed the stud finder flush against the wall and moved it slowly and steadily over a 3-foot area for 20 seconds. We then repeated the process in just five seconds to check if it could still detect objects. This procedure was repeated for each surface and object type. 

For models with additional features, such as a bubble level, battery indicator, or visual display, we evaluated their effectiveness and overall contribution to the product. After testing, we rated each product on performance, design, ease of use, and value.

How to Shop for Stud Finders Like a Pro

Sensor Type 

Stud finders come in two primary types: electronic and magnetic. Electronic models detect density changes to locate studs and other objects behind walls, while magnetic models find the nails securing studs to the wall. In our tests, we assessed 25 electronic and five magnetic stud finders. 

We found electronic finders to be more accurate, especially those with features like LED screens or indicator lights. They also offer greater depth detection, making them better at identifying objects hidden deeper within walls. However, electronic models tend to be more expensive, require batteries, and are often bulkier than magnetic options. Some magnetic models, such as the Calculated Industries 7310 StudMark Magnetic Stud Finder, are equally effective but may struggle with smaller studs or nails. 

Max Detection Depth

“Most stud finders detect depths of 1.5–2.5 inches, which is sufficient for locating wood or metal studs and joists behind a wall,” explains Shaunfield. “This depth range works well for typical home projects.”

While most of our top picks fall within this range, we found that stud finders with greater depth detection, like the Bosch GMS 120 Wall Scanner, were more effective at locating PVC pipes. For more demanding projects, choose a stud finder with above-average depth detection—though expect a higher price.

Surface Compatibility

Think about the surfaces you’ll use the stud finder on—starting with your home’s walls. Some models offer multiple modes for different surfaces, while others have a single mode that works across various materials. In our tests, most models excelled on drywall but struggled with cement board, though performance varied by model. Shaunfield notes that most stud finders work well on drywall, where they can locate studs “easily and accurately.” 

However, “stud finders may struggle with lath/plaster walls,” he notes. This was evident in our testing, though our top-performing models handled all surfaces well. For such materials, Shaunfield recommends using a finder with a metal-scanning feature “to locate the nails securing the lath to the studs” or manually finding the studs.

More Stud Finders to Consider

Franklin Sensors ProSensor 710+ Professional Stud Finder: This model is user-friendly and precise at detecting the edges and center of wood or metal studs. However, it struggles with dense surfaces like cement and comes at a higher price point.

Vivreal 4-in-1 Stud Finder: This electronic stud finder includes a useful LCD display and detects studs quickly and accurately, though it didn’t outperform its competitors in our tests. It’s also more effective at locating wood studs than metal ones, which are more prevalent.

Questions You Might Ask

Is there a difference between a stud finder and a stud sensor?

Shaunfield explains that there’s no significant difference between a stud finder and a stud sensor. “A stud sensor is simply another term for a stud finder,” he says. “Both handheld devices, whether labeled as a sensor or a finder, can locate studs in your home.” 

Sometimes, stud finders are associated with magnetic devices that locate nails and screws, while stud sensors refer to electronic models that detect changes in electrical flow to identify wood, metal, and wiring behind walls.

Are stud finders accurate?

“Stud finders are highly accurate,” says Shaunfield. They precisely locate the centers (and sometimes edges) of studs, “allowing you to mark their positions directly,” he explains. Many models also display the width and length of studs, providing even greater precision.

Is a stud finder necessary?

For any home project involving hanging or drilling into walls, stud finders are essential. “Locating studs is crucial for properly securing many objects, and stud finders make this process quick and efficient,” he says. “Heavy items like large pictures, mirrors, shelves, and TV mounts require anchoring into studs, as walls alone can’t support their weight. Studs provide the necessary strength to prevent fasteners from pulling out under pressure, with the center of the stud offering the best support.”

Take Our Word for It

This article was authored by Rachel Simon, a contributor to Mytour, Better Homes & Gardens, The New York Times, and numerous other outlets. To create this piece, we rigorously tested 30 stud finders, assessing them on performance, value, ease of use, and design. Rachel also consulted Brian Shaunfield, a store manager at a Lowe’s in Charlotte, for expert advice.