The 9 Best Stud Finders of 2024 (2024)

Our Top Picks

The electronic Franklin Sensors ProSensor 710 Precision takes the top spot because of the accurate and detailed look it gives you into your walls. Its 13 sensors simultaneously "look" behind the walls (it can also be used to find joists underneath the flooring) to pinpoint the location of wooden studs and metal objects, such as pipes, easily and accurately. No need to take time to calibrate the tool, as with some other stud finders; this one is ready to go right away. Plus, it shows you the edge and center of the stud simultaneously, making your job much easier.

We loved the way the ProSensor 710 located studs, both metal and wood, quickly and accurately. We didn't have to pass the device back and forth over the wall for more than a few seconds before the 13 indicator lights start popping. This model is always in deep scan mode, so even if the walls are thicker than a standard .75 inches, you get an accurate reading—we found the results were very accurate over all three types of tested surfaces, including plaster, drywall, and paneling. The manufacturer claims the tool has a detection depth of 1.6 inches ideally and 1.1 inches in reality, which we found to be true.

The extra width of the device—it's a hefty 7 inches in length—not only allows it to find studs faster, but also means you will have a more accurate sense of stud locations as you move the finder along the surface. The stud finder detects edges and centers of studs and metal pipes using its 13 LED light indicators—as the ProSensor 710 moves over wood or metal beneath the surface, the lights on the device directly over those obstacles light up, thus marking the location and width of the hidden object. In our tests, this stud finder was very accurate, and its large, comfortable handle made it easy to hold. On the downside, it does not detect live wires, nor does it have a battery life indicator or other extra features.

The ProSensor 710 requires two AA batteries.

_{Sensor Type: Electronic | Deep Scan: Yes | Live Wire Detection: No}

This reasonably priced stud finder is nothing fancy, but if you just need a simple stud finder to detect wood and metal studs—not electrical wiring or pipes—then this is a good addition to your toolbox. We found it very easy to calibrate—just hold the button down until the red light goes off—and easy to use, as well.

Unlike more premium stud finders, this one does not locate the center of a stud itself. Instead, you move it across the wall until a red light and beep indicate you've found the edge of a stud. Mark that spot, and then repeat the process from a couple of feet from the opposite side until you once again hear the beep and see the red light. This is the other edge of the stud, so mark it as well. Now you measure the distance between your two marks to find the center of the stud. While that seems like a lot of bother, we actually found it to be easy in practice, and the stud finder was accurate in our tests, although it definitely does best on drywall and struggles a bit over paneling or plaster.

The Craftsman stud finder has a detection depth of 3/4-inch, which is less than many other stud finders, but generally sufficient for finding studs (with the exception of garage walls and ceilings with double layers of sheetrock for fire protection). It's small and lightweight, making it easy to carry in a pocket or store in a toolbox. The device runs off one 9-volt battery, which is not included.

_{Sensor Type: Electronic | Deep Scan: No | Live Wire Detection: No}

Metal is often missed by typical stud finders calibrated for wood studs, but there can be many types of metal support materials within your walls, including nails, screws, rebar, and metal pipes. Even magnetic finders can miss non-magnetic metals. The Zircon MetalliScanner M40, on the other hand, is specifically designed to detect a wide variety of both ferrous (magnetic) and nonferrous metals behind floors, walls, and ceilings. It detects wood studs based on the screws and nails holding them in place. It took us only a few seconds to calibrate the device, and then it was ready for use.

In our tests, this stud finder found everything it was supposed to, including wood and metal studs, copper pipes, and nails. It does not detect live wires, however. The MetalliScanner had no problems detecting objects behind our drywall, plaster, and paneled test wall. It's also designed for use in detecting metals hidden behind tile, stucco, and even concrete, something most stud finders are unable to do. It has an impressive depth scan of up to 4 inches deep for magnetic materials and 2 inches for non-magnetic objects.

We appreciated how easy it is to use this stud finder; its coil lights up in red as it gets close to the hidden stud or metal pipe, and then switches to blue light when it's right over the object being scanned. Not only that, but there's an audible tone when the device detects metal. Plus, it's comfortable to hold.

You'll need one 9-volt battery to operate this stud finder.

_{Sensor Type: Electronic | Deep Scan: Yes | Live Wire Detection: No}

Magnetic stud finders are the old-school cousins of modern, more advanced electronic finders. Despite their simplicity, a good magnetic finder can be a great low-cost option. Using a built-in rare-earth magnet, stud finders like the CH Hanson 03040 are attracted to the ferrous nails and screws that hold the home’s frame together, giving you a good idea of where studs are behind the wall. We appreciated that there was no need to calibrate this tool and no batteries to install. It's ready to go right away.

We found this to be a very accurate tool for finding wood or metal studs based on the nails and screws within them, but be aware that magnetic stud finders like this one will not detect copper pipes, other non-magnetic materials, or live wires. In our tests, the device worked over drywall, paneling, and plaster with ease, but it did take longer to detect wooden studs than metal studs. When passing over ferrous metal, the stud finder "clings" slightly to the underlying magnetic object. There is not any other type of indicator, such as a light or sound, so we needed to pay close attention during the test. Still, it was easy to feel the pull of the magnet and thus mark the edges and center of the underlying stud.

The small size of this tool makes it an easy addition to the toolbox or even to your pocket, but if you have large hands, it might be a bit difficult to grip. Still, it's a very reasonably priced stud finder that is easy to use and quite accurate, although not as fast as an electronic stud finder. The body of this tool also includes a two-way bubble level, which is a nice extra feature.

_{Sensor Type: Magnetic | Deep Scan: No | Live Wire Detection: No}

If you need a stud sensor for a DIY project such as hanging shelves, installing a wall-mounted television, putting up new lighting fixtures, or similar home projects, then you'll appreciate the Franklin Sensors ProSensor M90 as much as we did. This easy-to-use and accurate stud finder doesn't need any calibration, so you can get right to work. And with nine sensors, it has no problem detecting wood and metal studs, as well as metal pipes, behind most common wall materials; in our lab tests, it worked equally well through plaster, drywall, and paneling. Depending on the surface materials, the depth detection of this tool is between 1 and 1.5 inches, and it's always on deep scan mode.

The sensor lights trigger as the tool moves over a hidden stud; generally, two of the lights come on as the tool meets the stud's edge, and three lights hold steady once the stud sensor is over the center of the stud. That makes it easy to find the full width of the stud. We did find that it was best to move this stud finder fairly slowly along the wall, as overly fast passes make it a little more difficult to pinpoint the full width of the stud.

At five inches in length, this is a comfortable stud finder to grasp. It requires two AA batteries, which are not included. Note that this stud finder will not detect live wires within the wall.

_{Sensor Type: Electronic | Deep Scan: Yes | Live Wire Detection: Yes}

If you just want a basic stud finder that is easy to use, then we highly recommend the StudPop Original Magnetic Stud Finder, a simple device with a center trigger that "pops up" when the magnet slides over a hidden metallic object. We had fun testing this stud finder, which requires no calibration or batteries. We found that it didn't really matter if we slid the tool quickly or slowly; it responded very accurately either way when moving over metal studs or over wooden studs with embedded steel nails and screws. In our tests, the StudPop performed best on drywall and plaster, but wasn't quite as responsive over paneling. According to the manufacturer, it can also be used over lath or tile that's atop drywall or plaster.

The StudPop cannot detect copper pipes, which are non-magnetic, but it can respond to pipes made of ferrous metals. Nor will it detect wiring. While it does not detect the edges of wood or metal studs, as most electronic stud finders do, it responds with a pop and a feeling of magnetic "grip" when moving over stud centers, and we found it very easy to use and reliable in its response. While the device is small, it is easy to grip, and it won't take up much room in the toolbox. It's very reasonably priced, as well.

_{Sensor Type: Magnetic | Deep Scan: No | Live Wire Detection: No}

Like other magnetic stud finders, the StudMark works by "sticking" to ferrous metals, including steel nails, screws, and studs, behind the wall. In our tests, the StudMark did well at detecting metal behind drywall and plaster, although it was a little harder to feel the magnetic grip when using the device on paneling. But what we especially liked about this tool are the two teardrop-shaped magnets that can be removed from the body of the tool and used to mark the placement of studs, thus allowing the user to easily indicate the position of up to three studs. Or if you don't want to use the magnets, then you can easily use the tool's small indentation to make precise pencil marks. That's very handy when hanging something large enough to overlay more than one stud, like a flat-screen television, shelf, or large mirror.

The StudMark is easy to use and requires no calibration or batteries. We just slid it along our test wall until we felt the magnetic response, letting us know that a stud was buried underneath. Note that like other magnetic stud finders, this one cannot detect copper pipes or live wiring, although it will respond to ferrous metal pipes and rebar. We also liked the small size of the tool, which made it easy to grip and easy to store.

_{Sensor Type: Magnetic | Deep Scan: No | Live Wire Detection: No}

While newer homes generally have drywall, there are many older homes that still have plaster walls. And while just about any stud finder works well over drywall, many are challenged by plaster. If your house has plaster walls, then the Mecurate Wall Scanner is our recommendation. In our test lab, this device performed beautifully over plaster, easily detecting wood studs, metal studs, and live wires buried beneath the surface. It also worked well on drywall and paneling, but required much slower passes for consistent accuracy on these surfaces.

There are four scanning modes on this device: stud mode, with a 3/4-inch detection depth, deep mode with 1.5-inch depth detection, metal mode for 2-3/8-inch depth detection, and AC mode, which has a 2-inch depth detection. You can also turn on an audible beep as well as the LED indicators; we found this made it easier to quickly determine the location of studs. We also appreciated how this tool clearly shows both the edges and the center of the underlying stud, as well as the backlit display that was easy to read even in dim lighting.

This stud finder runs on one 9-volt battery, which is included. It also has a battery life indicator so you know when the power is getting low.

_{Sensor Type: Electronic | Deep Scan: Yes | Live Wire Detection: Yes}

If you are hanging something heavy, such as a cabinet, shelf, or large mirror, then you need to securely fasten the item to more than one stud. Before beginning such a project, it's helpful to know exactly how wide each stud is, as well as the stud's center. We found that after a brief learning curve, the Ryobi Whole Stud Finder provided us with that information quickly and accurately. As the device moves over a stud, LED lights indicate whether the stud sensor is over the center of the stud, and if not, in which direction it should be moved to find the center. Once centered over the stud, a quick push of a button marks the spot with a small mark.

In our tests, the stud finder worked very well over drywall, plaster, and paneling, but we did find that it worked best when moved slowly across these surfaces. It was easy to use with just one hand and comfortable to hold. This stud finder does require calibration before every use, but it's not difficult to do; just push the button while holding the tool against the wall and wait a few seconds. The Ryobi stud finder automatically searches up to 1.5 inches behind the wall, so there's no need to switch between modes. This stud finder runs off two AAA batteries, which are included.

_{Sensor Type: Electronic | Deep Scan: Yes | Live Wire Detection: No}

Final Verdict

If you want an accurate, fast, and easy-to-use stud finder, then we recommend the Franklin Sensors ProSensor 710, which performed very well in all of our tests. As a bonus, it doesn’t need to be calibrated before use like many other electronic stud finders. If you're working on a larger project and would like to mark multiple studs at once, the Calculated Industries StudMark Magnetic Stud Finder has magnetic markers and a pencil indent to make it easy.

The Spruce Team Finds the Best Stud Finders

FAQ

• How do you use a stud finder?

  It’s not difficult to use a stud finder, and these simple tools can make the difference between a successful DIY project and one that goes drastically wrong.

  To use a stud finder, start by turning the stud finder on and checking that the batteries are charged. Make sure the sensors on the bottom of the tool aren’t dusty or damaged. Then place the stud finder on the wall where you plan on hanging your item, and slowly move the stud finder horizontally across the wall.

  When the stud finder detects the edge of a stud, it will beep, flash, or use a combination of signals to alert you. Mark the edge of the stud with a pencil, and then continue to move the stud finder slowly across the wall until you find the other edge of the stud, and mark that with a pencil as well. Some stud finders will automatically determine both edges of a stud for you.

  Continue moving the stud sensor across the wall until you’ve found several studs. They are normally equally spaced 16 to 24 inches apart. After locating and marking a few studs, check the spacing to ensure you’ve really found studs and not other materials behind the walls.

  Once you’ve determined that you’ve found the studs, you can hang your shelf, television, or other heavy items without worry.
  

• Can stud finders be wrong?

  It’s not uncommon for a stud finder to trigger an alert, yet the hidden object behind the wall isn’t actually a stud but a pipe, bracket, or some other material. Many stud sensors differentiate between these various types of materials, but the tool is not infallible. It is possible to get false readings. That’s why it’s important to continue scanning the wall until you’ve located at least three studs. If the distance between each is equal, and is 16 to 24 inches, you can be confident that you’ve located studs, not some other building material.

• Do stud finders work through ceramic tile?

  If you are planning on installing grab bars in the bathroom but have fully tiled walls, you might figure that you’ll use your stud sensor to locate the studs behind the tile. Unfortunately, while stud sensors have no problem scanning through drywall and similar materials, very few of these tools owned by the average homeowner can reliably work through ceramic tile, brick, concrete, or other stone or ceramic materials. For that, you typically need a scanner that uses radar to “look” through the wall, and those are generally very expensive tools used only by professionals.

  However, some deep-sensor stud finders with settings to locate metal are able to penetrate tile with fairly reliable accuracy, so it’s worth giving one a try if you are set on fastening something heavy to a tiled wall.

• How do stud finders work?

  GlennWiseman, RASDT, RHDT, and sales manager atTopHatHomeComfortServices, explains, "A stud finder is the most important tool in your kit for wall studs. Put simply, a stud finder basically works like a metal detector, except instead of finding buried treasure, it locates the wood framing behind your walls. Stud finders work by sending out an electronic signal that bounces off of the drywall, hitting any solid object along the way. The signal then returns to the device, which uses that information to make a beeping noise or display an LED light on its screen. There are a myriad of different stud finders to choose from, but they all work similarly."

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