Looking for a simple stud finder that can detect studs, electrical walls, and more behind your drywall? In this article, we’ll share the best seven finds you can buy online right now.
Top 7 Best Stud Finders
1. Franklin Sensors ProSensor M210 Professional Stud Finder: Best Overall
Features
This is the best stud finder on the market because it includes 13 sensors and 13 LEDs for enhanced precision. Additionally, this Franklin stud finder provides a maximum detection depth of 1.7 inches, and the LEDs track the exact location of every stud. These LEDs then display the edges and center at the same time.
Best of all, this Amazon stud finder shows you what’s going on behind a wall, helping to eliminate electrical issues and saving you time. It achieves this by displaying the edges and center of each stud. It even displays irregular configurations and any double studs present in the wall.
The M210 has an auto mode where it chooses the best setting based on any material or depth changes. This means that there’s no calibration required or toggling between different scans. Simply press the button to begin your scan, and it’ll provide accurate readings.
How it compares to other stud finders
Most stud finders feature one or two sensors. It’s also equipped with a sensor that detects a live AC wire.
2. Zircon MultiScanner A200: Best for Modes
Features
Find studs easily with this electronic stud finder. This device includes three scan modes. StudScan locates the edges, direction, and center of wood and metal studs up to 19 mm deep.
DeepScan locates the center, direction, and edges of wood and metal studs up to 38 mm deep. Meanwhile, Metal Scan mode pinpoints metal up to 38 mm deep and ferrous metal up to 75 mm deep.
This accurate stud finder is equipped with WireWarning Detection, which indicates if any electrical wiring up to 50 mm deep is present. It also features Auto Correcting Technology that amends any common errors, including when scanning starts over a stud.
We’re also impressed by the SpotLite Pointer that shines a light on the scanned surface to indicate the target’s location. Not to mention the illuminated V marker that provides more accurate marks on walls.
How it compares to other stud finders
This stud finder includes metal scan mode, which most basic stud finders don’t feature.
3. SuplutuX Stud Finder Wall Scanner: Best for Simplicity
Features
This stud detector is ideal for beginners, as it boasts a minimalist design. In particular, it has a one-button design, so there aren’t any complicated steps to finding studs in your home. Plus, you won’t need to switch and learn any modes.
This stud finder detects studs up to ¾ inches through drywall, wallpaper, and fabric. For your safety and peace of mind, this device also includes sensors that detect any live AC voltage up to ¾ inches deep in drywall. It can detect if any metal is present.
Moreover, it features four LEDs that illuminate in an organized sequence if it detects a stud. All the while, the smart sensors will beep once the device is calibrated or if it discovers something unnerving in the wall.
How it compares to other stud finders
It has a minimalist design that’s ideal for beginners.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- One-button operation
- Live AC voltage and metal detection
- A reliable stud detector
- Responds to studs, metal, or electrical walls quickly
Cons
- Calibrating the wall before detection might take a while
4. Franklin Sensors ProSensor M150 Professional Stud Finder: Best for Depth Detection
Features
This stud detector includes nine sensors and 15 enhanced precision LEDs along with a maximum detection depth of 1.5 inches. With this number of LEDs, this device can detect the edges of the stud easily.
Above all, it only features one mode, which is ideal for a homeowner looking for simplicity. But with this mode, it can detect metal studs, live electrical wires, pipes, and wood beams. This tool doesn’t require any calibration, either.
Save time during DIY projects, as this gadget will show you more of what’s hiding behind your walls. It even displays the center of the stud and edges at the same time while displaying any irregular configurations in older homes.
How it compares to other stud finders
It contains more sensors than most stud finders.
5. Franklin Sensors T6 Professional Stud Finder: Best for Metal and Wood Studs
Features
This is a great stud finder for home improvement, as it features six sensors and a maximum detection depth of 1.5 inches. All the while, the precision LEDs are spaced every ½ inch to track the exact location, center, and edges of studs.
This tool is built for simplicity, as it only features one mode while still detecting metal and wood studs. This mode also adapts for changes in materials or depths while there’s no toggling between scans and settings.
Another key feature of this DIY tool is that it runs on AAA batteries instead of 9V batteries for a user-friendly design.
How it compares to other stud finders
This tool detects both metal and wood studs, and it will identify any chances in wood or metal density without any toggling.
6. DEWALT Stud Finder: Best for Finding the Center
Features
This stud finder includes Center Find technology to assist with finding the center of a stud in a wall. Plus, it has a detection depth of up to ¾ inch for both wood and metal.
Furthermore, this tool includes AC and live wire detection for enhanced safety and constant auto-calibration to reduce time wasted during use.
You’ll also notice that this stud finder has directional LED arrows to help you find stud location with accuracy.
How it compares to other stud finders
The designers of this stud finder considered readability with Center Find technology for an efficient read at any angle.
7. KOLSOL Stud Finder: Best for Multifunction
Features
This KOLSOL tool is a three-in-one device with a stud scanner, protractor, and laser distance meter combined. When used as a stud finder, it can track depth position up to 120 mm as well as materials including metal and wood.
Moreover, this handy tool provides ±1.5mm accuracy and has enough storage for 50 sets of data. It also provides excellent reliability with ±0.1° angle accuracy as well as real-time refresh
How it compares to other stud finders
It includes live audio broadcast, so you don’t have to look at the display for the results.
How We Reviewed and Tested the Best Stud Finders
The above are the best electronic and magnetic stud finders on the market, and we researched tirelessly to collate a list of the top seven selections you can buy. Here are the main features the stud finders had to have to meet this list:
- User-friendly design: This could include simplicity in a one-button format, easy-to-understand readings, an ergonomic format, and more.
- Accuracy: There’s no point in owning a stud finder that isn’t reliable or doesn’t deliver accurate results. This primarily depends on the number and design of the built-in sensors.
- Depth adjustment: A stud finder that barely penetrates the surface is no good.
- Additional features: There has to be something that sets the stud finder aside. Can it detect electrical wires or a range of materials? Safety and usability are paramount.
Tips for Picking a Simple Stud Finder
Here are some factors to remember throughout your search to help you select the best stud finder for your needs.
Cost
The price of a stud finder can determine if you’re willing to buy it. Not only does this depend on your personal financial situation but how often you plan on using the stud finder. Generally speaking, the price will vary between $20–$80. The more expensive models have more sensors, an LCD display, and additional features, such as detecting live wires.
Should you contemplate obtaining warranty coverage for your home appliances and systems, it’s advisable to explore trusted home warranty service providers.
Scanner Type: Magnetic or Electronic
A magnetic stud finder uses rare earth magnets to locate metal in the wall. These devices use magnetics to detect metal in the wall, and the attraction becomes stronger as the magnet gets closer to any metal object in the wall.
Alternatively, electronic stud finders feature sensors that can detect a change in a wall’s constant. When you’re using an electronic device, you’ll see an adjustment on the built-in display when it detects a stud in the wall.
Electronic gadgets are usually easier to operate and more accurate because you can see the readings on the screen.
Display
Stud finders with a built-in screen improve accuracy by eliminating any ambiguity. Plus, a clear screen allows you to see the results at a glance.
A stud finder with LED lights will light up once it detects a stud, and many advanced gadgets can assess stud edges and live currents, too.
Depth Adjustment
To help with stud location, electronic stud finders enable you to adjust the depth that the sensors penetrate the wall. Generally, studs are embedded around ½–¾ inch behind drywall. However, there are occasions that you’ll want to assess deeper for other heavy objects. Most stud finders can penetrate up to 1.5 inches into surfaces.
Sensor Size
The bigger the sensor, the better the accuracy and the more studs the device can detect. Also, bigger, wider sensors can cover larger sections of walls in a quicker timeframe than scanning multiple sections manually. Electronic devices with larger sensors can also locate numerous studs at once, making them more productive.
For enhanced accuracy and detection, some stud finders have powerful sensors that penetrate deep into walls and can check for metal pipes and electric wiring.
Compare Stud Finders
| Stud Finder | Sensors | Max. Detection Depth | Live Electrical Warning? |
| Franklin Sensors ProSensor M210 Professional Stud Finder | 13 | 1.7” | Yes |
| Zircon MultiScanner A200 | Not stated | 1.5” | Yes |
| SuplutuX Stud Finder Wall Scanner | 4 | ¾” | Yes |
| Franklin Sensors ProSensor M150 Professional Stud Finder | 15 | 1.5” | Yes |
| Franklin Sensors T6 Professional Stud Finder | 6 | 1.5” | Yes |
| DEWALT Stud Finder | Not stated | ¾” | Yes |
| KOLSOL Stud Finder | Not stated | 120 mm | No |
Final Verdict: What is the Best Stud Finder?
The best simple stud finder is the Franklin Sensors ProSensor M210 Professional Stud Finder. This DIY tool features a generous 13 sensors and 21 enhanced precision LEDs, which is way beyond the others we have listed above. It can even provide a detection depth of up to 1.7 inches, ensuring that it doesn’t miss any wiring or materials during your drywall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can stud finders be wrong?
Yes, though this depends on the quality and accuracy of your stud finder. Repeat testing the same section if you get a positive result, so you can be sure.
Can you find a stud without a stud finder?
Yes, there are a few alternative methods. One idea is to simply look for nails or dimples in the wall.
What is the easiest type of stud finder to use?
The SuplutuX Stud Finder Wall Scanner. It only has one button for ease of use, and there’s only one mode to prevent complications. Plus, this stud finder has an ergonomic design for maximum comfort during use.
Are magnetic or electronic stud finders better?
A Magnetic stud finder is less precise than an electronic alternative. Best of all, electronic options typically have indicator lights that pinpoint a stud’s edges or center and an LED screen for clear readings.
How far apart are studs in walls?
Wall studs are typically positioned 16–24 inches apart.
