Discover the Ultimate Guide to the Best Stud Finder | Our Top Picks Reviewed

Are you tired of poking holes on walls just to find a stud?

Now, tracking wall studs is easy using a stud finder device. A stud finder will help you locate wall studs so you can confidently continue your installation or home renovation work. You won’t have to use a hit or miss technique just to locate studs and thus, you’ll save time, money, and effort.

And with the best stud finder, you won’t just find wall studs but also electrical conduits and metal pipes. 

Of the stud finders we’ve reviewed, the Tavool Stud Finder and sensor wall scanner continue to shine. This is because of its advanced sensing features, multiple scanning modes, and great features. There are many stud finder devices available. Let us help you find the right one that will help make your stud finding jobs better and faster. 

Tavool Stud Finder Sensor Wall Scanner

Star Rating: 4.2 out of 5

Features

• With the most advanced sensors to find studs with four scanning modes. 
• Can detect wooden beams as well as joints inside drywall.
• With an upgraded LCD and an ergonomic grip.

Known as the most accurate wall scanner, the Tavool Stud Finder Sensor is a 4-in-1 electronic stud finder that uses Advanced Sensors Technology. It can quickly and precisely find studs on wood, metal, and live wires. This is why it’s one of the most popular among professionals, DIY home decorators and enthusiasts, and many homeowners. 

You can use 4 types of scanning modes: wood, beams, metals, joists, and wires. This device can help find hidden objects located behind the ceiling, floor, or wall. The stud mode also locates beams of all sizes, joists, pipe, aluminum, rebar, and copper. You can also use this to locate 85 to 240 volt AC current for all electrical lines and voltages. 

This stud finder is one of the easiest to use with its upgraded LCD. You can easily see the type of stud material you’re dealing with including the place where the stud is located. Aside from visual confirmation, you will also hear an audible sound. And you don’t need to calibrate this device each time you use it. This stud finder has an automatic calibration system that makes sure that it’s ready to use each time you need it. 

Specifications

• Dimensions – 6.49 x 2.75 x 1.1 inches, 5.4 ounces
• Technology – Advanced Sensors Technology
• Scanning Depth – stud mode – 1.2 inches,  metal mode – 1.57, deep mode – 1.77 inches, AC and electrical lines – 2.36 inches
• Can Work On – wood, beams, metals, joists, and wires
• Power Source – one 9-volt battery
• Special Features – 4 scanning modes, upgraded LCD, automatic calibration, ergonomic grip

Pros 

• Very easy to use.
• Accurate and no need to calibrate.
• Lightweight, easy to take to the worksite.
• The LCD is very bright, easy to check if you hit a stud. 

Cons

• Complaints that it’s not very accurate.
• Does not come with a battery.
• No laser pointer guiding mark.

Franklin Sensors FS710PROProSensor 710+ Professional Stud Finder

Star Rating: 4.7 out of 5

Features

• This stud finder comes with 13 sensors to find studs fast and easily.
• Can locate multiple studs at the same time. 
• This stud finder can detect metal and wood and displays their position quickly.

The Franklin Sensors ProSensor 710+ is a stud finder for professionals. It can detect studs more accurately than other regular stud finders because it has 13 sensors. The ProSensors offer enhanced multi-sensing technology that eliminates the calibration that most regular devices needs. 

All you need to do is to place it on your wall and just press it. The ProSensor can find multiple studs at once and displays the location of the center and the edges of a stud for safety. You can use this on wood and metal and it will produce very accurate results each time. There’s no need to calibrate the ProSensor before use and this saves you time, money, and effort. You can complete more tasks in one go.  

Specifications

• Dimensions –  7.5 x 3 x 2.7 inches, 6.4 ounces
• Technology – 13 sensors
• Scanning Depth – 21 square inches, 1.6 inches deep 
• Can Work On – metal and wood
• Power Source – 2 AA batteries
• Special Features – can detect multiple studs simultaneously, with built-in level, with a display, no need for calibration

Pros 

• Has 13 sensors working hard to find studs in wood and metal.
• It has a deeper sensing depth without the need for any calibration. 
• You can scan anywhere at any time. 
• Can detect the edges and center of studs at the same time. 

Cons

• Can’t scan live wires.
• No audible warning.
• No laser guide.

TACKLIFE Stud Finder Upgraded Wall Scanner

Star Rating: 4.9 out of 5

Features

• This stud finder has 4 scanning modes.
• Can detect ferrous and non-ferrous metal deeper.
• Comes with automatic calibration and has an audible warning to alert you if there is a stud.

The Tacklife Stud Finder is a 4-in-1 electronic wall stud detector. It can find the center of studs using the deep mode and the exact mode and can also look for ferrous metal and non-ferrous metals. You can steer clear of live AC wiring located in the deep parts of the wall as well. 

Unlike other stud finders with a small LCD, the Tacklife stud finder has a large LCD screen as well as signal lights to tell you which mode you’re in. You don’t need to calibrate this tool time and again as it is automatically calibrated every time you use it. 

Aside from checking out the location of the stud on the LCD, you will also receive audible alerts. You don’t need to continuously press the stud finder button like other devices. Also, there is a multi-function feature where the device will continually emit a sound as it detects a stud or a wire. 

This Tacklife stud finder has an updated design with ergonomic handles, buttons, and back. You’ll also get more value out of your money as this stud finder has a 24 months manufacturer’s warranty.

Specifications

• Dimensions –  7.5 x 4 x 1.5 inches, 10.4 ounces
• Technology – with an upgraded center finding feature
• Scanning Depth – wood scan – 0.75 inches, metal scan – 4 inches, live AC wire scan – 2 inches, deep mode scan – 1.5 inches
• Can Work On – wood, metal, AC wires
• Power Source – 9V battery
• Special Features – with a center indicator, edge indicator, colorful lights and audio alarm, 4 scanning modes, ergonomic design

Pros 

• Offers 4 scanning modes with no need to calibrate your device. 
• With a large LCD screen, signal lights, and signal tones. 
• It is easy to use, no need to press hard on the button to find a stud. 
• This device has an ergonomic design to let you hold it comfortably. 

Cons

• Does not come with a laser guiding system.
• You can’t dim or brighten the LCD brightness level. 

BLACK+DECKER (BDL190S)

Star Rating: 4.4 out of 5

Features

• This stud finder offers 2-in-1 accuracy with a line laser and the stud sensor.
• Has an easy-to-read, easy-to-use LCD. 
• Can detect metal, wood, and live AC wiring.

The Black & Decker Line Laser is a unique stud finder that won’t just locate studs for you. It will also help you find a level spot so you can accurately frame things horizontally. The Line Laser stud finder can detect wood, metals like studs and pipes, and AC wires deep in your wall. 

It is equipped with a Class 3R laser which can shine a guide on the wall you’re working on. This guide can help you hang posters and painting evenly and perfectly on walls. The Black & Decker Bullseye Auto-Leveling makes this stud finder extraordinary. 

Meanwhile, this stud finder comes with an easy-to-read display that is easy to use even by beginners. This is an auto-leveling stud finder that can quickly find studs whether you’re working on wood, metal, or looking for ac wires. 

Specifications

• Dimensions – 10 x 8 x 1.9 inches, 15.8 ounces 
• Technology – Bullseye Automatic Leveling
• Can Work On – metal, wood, and live AC wiring
• Power Source – Alkaline batteries
• Special Features – with self-leveling features, leveling laser, LCD

Pros 

•  Very accurate and easy to use.
• Comes with a handy laser so you can hang décor and picture frames with ease. 
• With an ergonomic and intuitive design.
• With an easy-to-see and read LCD.

Cons

• Complaints that the LCD is too small.
• You need to hold the device and press the button longer as you locate the stud.

PERLESMITH Stud Finder Wall Detector

Star Rating: 4.2 out of 5

Features

• This stud detector has 5-in-1 deep detection features.
• With a large, bright LCD plus an audio warning.
• Does not need calibration.

The PERLESMITH Stud Finder is a 5-in-1 electronic stud sensor and a wall scanner. It can detect studs deeply through its multiple scanning modes. You can tell that you’ve found a stud, or a metal pipe, rebars, or live AC wiring from the large LCD and the audible beep.

This stud finder is compatible with all kinds of renovation and construction work at home, office, or business. You don’t need to calibrate this device every time you need to use it as it offers automatic calibration with guaranteed excellent precision. 

Specifications

• Dimensions –  6.77 x 3.19 x 1.73 inches, 8.1 ounces
• Technology – Deep Detection 
• Scanning Depth – stud scan – 0.5 inch, stud scan – 1 inch, stud, metal, and AC scanning 1.5 inches.
• Can Work On – metal, wood, and live AC wiring
• Power Source – 9V battery
• Special Features – LCD, audio warning, auto-calibration, ergonomic design

Pros 

• This stud finder offers deep detection features. 
• With multiple scanning modes. 
• It is lightweight, easy to use, and convenient for all projects.
• With automatic calibration. 
• With an ergonomic shape and design.

Cons

• No laser guiding system.
• You can’t adjust the LCD brightness.
• You can’t adjust the audible warning sound volume.

MERECE Stud Finder Wall Scanner

Star Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars

Features

• With 5-in-1 wall detection features.
• Comes with Advanced Sensors Technology.
• With an upgraded LCD to display the stud material type and position

The Merece stud finder and wall scanner is another 5-in-1 stud sensor device. It can find studs more efficiently than other devices because of its Advanced Sensors Technology for quicker and more accurate results. 

You can easily check if there is a stud through its large, easy-to-read LCD. Use the StudScan, DeepScan, or the Deep Stud Scan modes to find studs without delay. It also has an audible beep to tell you if you’re close to the stud or you’re above the target. This device will flash after it has located the edge of the wall stud. 

Specifications

• Dimensions – 7 x 4 x 2 inches, 9.6 ounces 
• Technology – latest sensor technology
• Scanning Depth – StudScan Mode – up to 0.5-inch, DeepScan Mode 1.5 inches, Deep Stud Scan Mode  for extra wallboard layers
• Can Work On –metal, wood, pipes, rebars and live AC wiring
• Power Source -9 V alkaline battery
• Special Features – with an upgraded LCD, auto-calibration, ergonomic design

Pros 

• This device can detect deeply with more modes to choose from.
• With an upgraded design LCD for ease of use. 
• With a professional design, good quality, and comfortable to use.
• With visual and sound detection to tell you if you located a stud. 

Cons

• Does not come with a laser line system.
• Complaints that the screen is too small and too dark.

Meterk Stud Finder Wall Scanner

Star Rating: 4.5 out of 5 

Features

• Very sensitive handheld stud detector that’s easy to use.
• An ergonomic design offers a comfortable grip for different applications. 
• Comes with an LCD backlight and audio warning.

The Meterk MK19 stud finder helps you find studs, AC wire, and metal before you begin your project. It comes with 3 detection modes that can help you evade any mishaps at home or work. The MK19 is a handheld device with an ergonomic design and a non-slip grip. You’ll find this very convenient and comfortable to use even for longer periods. 

The MK19 stud finder comes with a Smart Beep Function that will alert you audibly when you have found a stud. Meanwhile, the LCD comes with a backlight system to tell you if you’re near or have found the stud. 

You don’t need to calibrate this device to work. It offers the fastest detection and can be used not just on walls. You can also use this on ceilings and floors.  

Specifications

• Dimensions –  6.69 x 3.35 x 1.77 inches, 8.74 ounces
• Scanning Depth – metal rebar – 3 inches, AC live wire – 2 inches, wood/metal studs – 3/2 inches
• Can Work On – metal, wood, rebar, AC live wire
• Power Source – 9V battery
• Special Features – ergonomic design, anti-slip body, audible warnings, LCD with backlit, auto-calibration

Pros 

• This is a handheld wall stud finder with a good grip.
• It can help locate studs as well as metal pipes and live wires. 
• With a visual and auditory alert function.
• With automatic calibration 

Cons

• Can’t detect deeply.
• No laser line system

Zircon Stud Finder A200 Pro

Star Rating: 4.4 out of 5

Features

• Stud finder with Auto Correcting Technology to correct the most common errors. 
• With an ergonomically designed device grip.
• With video and audio mode available. 

The Zircon Stud Finder tool model A200 Pro is a multi-scanner capable of providing deep scanning and edge or center scanning of studs. This device comes with the Auto Correcting Technology that can automatically take on user errors and correct them ASAP. 

It comes with a signal strength LCD indicator that will tell you if your target is in a shallow or deep location. This comes with an ergonomic design for a comfortable grip.

Specifications

• Dimensions – 1.8 x 3.23 x 7.72 inches, 8.2 ounces
• Technology – ACT – Auto Correcting Technology
• Scanning Depth – StudScan Mode – up to 0.75 inches, Deep Scan – up to 1.5 inches, metal scan non-ferrous up to 1.5 inches, ferrous metal up to 3 inches
• Can Work On – metal, wood, rebars, AC wires
• Power Source – 9V battery
• Special Features – ergonomic design, large LCD, audio warning

Pros 

• Offers 3-in-1 scanning, can differentiate between a shallow or deep target.
• With an ergonomic handle for that comfortable hold.
• Easy to use for all types of projects.

Cons

• Does not come with a battery.
• The LCD is too dark.

Stud Finder Buying Guide

Whether you’re a professional or a DIY enthusiast, we’ll explore the pros and cons of electronic and magnetic stud finders, helping you find the perfect option for your needs.

Read our buying guide below so you can come up with an educated buying decision.

Types of Stud Finders

There are two main types of stud finders that you can choose from: electronic and magnetic.

Electronic stud finders are more accurate but also more expensive. They’ve features like LCD screens and AC wire warning, which can be useful for detecting live wires before nailing.

On the other hand, magnetic stud finders are simpler and cheaper. They work on various wall types and have powerful magnets for sticking to the wall. Although they’re less accurate compared to electronic ones, they can still be used as a complementary tool to verify stud locations.

When buying a stud finder, consider your preferences for LCD screens or indicator lights/audible sound, as well as the price range, which varies from $20 to several hundred dollars for electronic stud finders.

Features of Electronic Stud Finders

When choosing an electronic stud finder, consider its LCD readout screen or LED indicators for visual representation of detected studs, as well as its alternate modes for scanning different materials.

The LCD readout screen provides a clear and precise display of the stud location, making it easier for you to mark the spot accurately.

On the other hand, LED indicators offer a more straightforward visual representation, with lights that illuminate when a stud is detected.

Additionally, electronic stud finders often have alternate modes that allow you to scan different materials such as wood, metal, or live wires. This feature ensures that you can use the stud finder on various surfaces and avoid any potential hazards.

Features of Magnetic Stud Finders

While it’s true that magnetic stud finders are generally less accurate than their electronic counterparts, they still serve a valuable purpose.

Magnetic stud finders have small, compact designs which make them highly portable and easy to carry around. These stud finders use powerful magnets to stick to the wall, allowing you to locate studs quickly.

Although they may not provide the same level of accuracy as electronic stud finders, they can be used as a complementary tool to verify stud locations.

Additionally, magnetic stud finders are inexpensive and require no maintenance, making them a cost-effective choice for occasional use or for those on a budget.

Considerations When Buying a Stud Finder

First, think about whether you want an electronic or magnetic stud finder. Electronic stud finders are more accurate but also more expensive, while magnetic stud finders are simpler and cheaper. Electronic stud finders often come with additional features like LCD screens and AC wire warning, which can be helpful.

Next, consider your preferences for LCD screens or indicator lights/audible sound. Also, keep in mind that the price range for electronic stud finders varies greatly, so think about your budget and how much accuracy and functionality you need.

Lastly, consider the grip and hands-free usage of the stud finder to ensure it will be comfortable for you to use.

Additional Considerations and Tips

For optimal performance, consider the grip and hands-free usage of your stud finder.

A comfortable grip is essential to prevent slipping and ensure accurate scanning. Look for a stud finder with an ergonomic design and a non-slip handle.

Additionally, hands-free usage can greatly enhance your experience. Some stud finders have built-in magnets or hooks that allow you to attach them to the wall, leaving your hands free to mark the stud locations or operate other tools. This feature can be especially useful when working on a ladder or in tight spaces.

Accuracy and Functionality of Electronic Stud Finders

When choosing an electronic stud finder, it’s important to consider its accuracy and functionality to ensure reliable stud detection. Electronic stud finders offer more accuracy compared to magnetic stud finders, making them a popular choice among professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

These stud finders often come with LCD readout screens or LED indicators, providing visual representation of detected studs. They also have alternate modes for scanning different materials, allowing you to find studs behind various wall types.

Additionally, electronic stud finders may have an AC Wire Warning feature, alerting you to the presence of live wires to avoid accidents. Some models even come with built-in levels for easy orientation and hanging of pictures.

Portability and Versatility of Magnetic Stud Finders

Magnetic stud finders are known for their small compact design, making them easy to carry around and store. You can conveniently slip them into your pocket or toolbox, allowing you to take them wherever you go. Their portability makes them a great option for both professional contractors and DIY enthusiasts.

In addition, magnetic stud finders are versatile in terms of the wall types they can work on. Whether you have drywall, plaster, or wood paneling, a magnetic stud finder can still detect studs effectively. This versatility ensures that you can use the stud finder in various locations throughout your home or workspace, providing you with accurate stud location information no matter the surface.

Budget and Job Compatibility

While considering your budget and the compatibility of the stud finder with your specific job, you should take into account various factors.

If you have a limited budget, a magnetic stud finder might be a suitable choice as it’s generally cheaper compared to electronic ones. However, keep in mind that magnetic stud finders are less accurate and may require some trial and error to locate studs.

On the other hand, electronic stud finders offer more features and higher accuracy, but they can be more expensive. Consider the specific needs of your job, such as the type of wall you’ll be working with and any additional features like LCD screens or AC wire warning.

It’s important to strike a balance between your budget and the compatibility of the stud finder with your job.

Frequently Asked Questions

These are the most frequently asked questions about buying and using a stud finder.

Do magnetic stud finders work?

The simplest stud finder is a powerful magnet that helps find nails, screws, and metal pipes. Although these can work with metallic materials, they won’t help with wood, joists, and wiring. You need a quality stud finder device to scan your wall for all kinds of obstacles. 

How far apart are studs inside a wall of an old house?

In old houses, stud spacing is mostly 16 inches on center. But you can’t just rely on approximates; you need a quality stud finder to help you accurately find studs. 

Can a stud finder work on cement walls?

You need a very powerful stud finder to work on cement walls like the Bosch GMS 120. This stud finder can look for metal objects, rebar inside the concrete, plastic pipes with water, and live AC wires.