6 Best Stud Finders 2023 Review

In this review and buyer’s guide, we take a look at today’s best stud finders, discuss various features and options to look for when buying, and answer some common questions. Here are our top recommendations.

Top 6 Stud Finders

Best Accuracy: Franklin Sensors Professional Stud Finder Best Grip: Zircon StudSensor Wall Scanner Best Laser: BLACK+DECKER Line Laser Best For Metal Scanning: VIVREAL Stud Finder Wall Scanner Best Multipurpose: Tavool Stud Finder Wall Scanner Best Magnetic: The StudBuddy Magnetic Stud Finder

Best Accuracy: Franklin Sensors Professional Stud Finder

Pros and Cons

✔ Features a built-in ruler✔ Includes a built-in bubble level✔ Boasts a large, 21-inch sensing area ✘ Doesn’t have a screen✘ Prone to detect other magnetic objects within the wall, not just studs

What Customers Are Saying

Satisfied customers liked that this product was multifunctional, saying that it gave them all of the tools they needed to hang items from their walls. However, some customers said that it was cheaply made and only worked for some projects. For example, one reviewer said that it couldn’t locate close-proximity studs.

Best Grip: Zircon StudSensor Wall Scanner

Pros and Cons

✔ Comes with a lifetime warranty✔ Detects live wires during all scanning modes✔ Features a large LCD readout panel ✘ Doesn’t give accurate readings on all walls✘ Doesn’t have a dedicated scan mode for live wires

What Customers Are Saying

Customers praised this stud finder for its edge- and center-scanning capability as well as its ability to detect studs in dense materials, such as double sheetrock. Customers who were unhappy with this stud finder said that it didn’t move smoothly on some walls and that it gave false readings on some materials, such as porcelain tile.

Best Laser: BLACK+DECKER Line Laser

Pros and Cons

✔ Features patented auto-leveling technology✔ Comes with the two batteries needed for operation✔ Includes a 2-year limited warranty ✘ More expensive than similar products on the market✘ The red screen makes it difficult to read

What Customers Are Saying

Most customers said that this product was accurate and easy to use. Others mentioned that it continued to perform well even after they had owned it for years. Dissatisfied customers said that the stud finder was bulky and top-heavy, making handling difficult. A few reviewers also noted issues with using the product vertically.

Best For Metal Scanning: VIVREAL Stud Finder Wall Scanner

Pros and Cons

✔ Offers four scanning modes ✔ Provides visible and audible alerts✔ Includes a backlit LCD screen ✘ Requires calibration before each scan✘ Gives shallower readings in its deep scan and live cable modes than similar models

What Customers Are Saying

Customers liked the VIVREAL Stud Finder Wall Scanner for its easy-to-read display, affordability, and durability. Dissatisfied customers said that this product provided inaccurate readings. They were also frustrated by how much of their time was dedicated to calibrating it before every use.

Best Multipurpose: Tavool Stud Finder Wall Scanner

Pros and Cons

✔ Offers multi-sense technology✔ Cost-effective pricing✔ Features grippy, rubberized trim for secure handling ✘ Doesn’t come with batteries✘ Sometimes gives inconsistent readings

What Customers Are Saying

Customers said that the Tavool Stud Finder Wall Scanner was easy to use with its easy-to-read screen and easy-to-navigate mode controls. Many reviewers also said that it worked well on a variety of surfaces ranging from sheetrock to lath and plaster. Dissatisfied customers said that it gave inconsistent readings.

Best Magnetic: The StudBuddy Magnetic Stud Finder

Pros and Cons

✔ Uses ultra-strong neodymium to detect screw or nail heads inside studs✔ Ergonomically designed to comfortably fit in the user’s hand✔ The magnet-powered stud finder is made in the USA ✘ Not intended for use on lath and plaster walls✘ Some customers thought that the stud finder was overpriced given its simplicity

What Customers Are Saying

Many reviewers were pleased with the simplicity and effectiveness of this magnetic stud finder. They stated that it was lightweight and easy to use and yielded reliable and consistent results. However, some reviewers complained that the stud finder was only able to identify the location of metal screws and nails rather than the studs themselves, and other users thought that stud locator was a little pricey.

Buying Guide for Stud Finders

Stud finders are essential when hanging items or mapping out any DIY project on one of your home’s walls. In addition to choosing between magnetic and electronic stud finders, think about each product’s battery life and additional features.

Type of Stud Finder

Stud detectors are either magnetic or electronic. The latter type can be further broken down into subcategories.

Magnetic

Magnetic stud finders use large magnets to find the nails that are holding the studs together. Some magnetic stud finders are molded into a plastic casing, while some are left loose. With molded ones, you can feel the magnetic attraction as you push it along the wall. With loose ones, you’ll hear a “thunk” noise when it finds something or see a bright piece of plastic pop up. The downside to this type of stud finder is that you can’t guarantee that it found a stud and not some other magnetic piece behind the wall.

Electronic

All electronic stud finders use sensors to measure the change in density in the wall. You usually have to place the stud finder on a part of the wall without studs to ensure it gets calibrated before sliding it across the wall to find studs. Once the finder locates a stud, the results are displayed on an LCD screen. There are three subcategories of electronic stud finders:

Edge: An edge stud finder finds the edge of a stud. After finding that edge, you have to approach the stud from the other side to find its other edge and determine its width. Center: Center finders use multiple sensors to gauge the stud’s entire width and provide you with its center. Multisensor/Instant: This is a relatively new type of stud finder that scans an entire wall at once to give you the location of all of the studs. Because this type of stud finder requires multiple readings, it tends to be more accurate than the other electronic types. It doesn’t require calibration before use either.

Battery

Most electronic stud finders use nine-volt or AA batteries to operate. However, manufacturers rarely supply these batteries, which means you’ll have to remember to purchase the initial ones and any backup ones as they die. The battery often powers the wall stud finder’s “beep,” which is emitted when a stud, joist, or certain feature of the wall is detected.

Grip

Ergonomics are worth considering, especially if you’ll be using your stud finder on a regular basis. Many stud finders have a comfortable grip in the shape of a computer mouse for users to gently and carefully guide it along the wall.

Extra Features

Some electronic stud finders can detect live electric cables and different types of metal in addition to finding studs. This ensures that you’re not drilling into any important pieces behind your wall.

How can I hang a heavy item if I can’t find a stud?

If you’re struggling to find a stud and want to hang a heavy object, such as a mirror or picture frame, you can use drywall anchors. These pieces of plastic fit into holes you drill into the wall and hold screws.

Why isn’t my stud finder working?

Stud finders can be finicky when it comes to their batteries. If you’re having trouble getting your stud finder to function, change its batteries and recalibrate it. If this doesn’t work, you may have to purchase a new stud finder.

Can I use my smartphone as a stud finder?

Yes. There are apps that allow you to use your smartphone as a stud finder. However, these apps aren’t known to be nearly as accurate or trustworthy as dedicated stud finders. Additionally, the app may not offer as many features as a true stud finder, such as detecting live wires or leveling the surface.

How far apart are studs?

Most studs are 16–24 inches apart, but that’s not always the case. Before hanging an object that requires more than one stud, measure the wall for all studs instead of just finding one and assuming the next one will be 16–24 inches away from it.

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