Why You Need a Stud Finder in 2025
Adding a stud finder to your toolbox will help protect your walls and wall hangings. Whether you’re a new homeowner or an experienced contractor, a stud finder is an essential tool. Stud finders help you locate wall studs to securely mount items like TVs, cabinets, heavy mirrors, shelves, and other wall hangings that drywall can’t support on its own. Hanging pictures, shelves, and TVs means locating the hidden supports within your walls – the studs. And stud finders have come a long way since their humble beginnings. Early models relied solely on magnets to locate the metal nails or screws used to attach drywall to studs. As technology improved, electronic stud finders became the standard, detecting density changes to locate studs. These days, the world of stud finders is more exciting than ever. Radar-based models, like the Walabot DIY 2, offer unprecedented accuracy and even the ability to “see” through your walls. This advance in stud finding means you can locate pipes, wires, and more in addition to traditional studs!
Top 5 Stud Finders of 2025: Expert Picks
We’ve combed through the top recommendations and highlighted the best stud finders for every need and budget. From high-tech electronic models to simple magnetic ones, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and find out which stud finder is right for you.
1. Franklin Sensors ProSensor T6
The Franklin Sensors ProSensor T6 takes our top spot for its innovative technology and exceptional accuracy. Priced around $50, this stud finder uses advanced sensors to show details about objects behind walls. The powerful LEDs light up the exact center, eliminating any guesswork. Our research shows users appreciate its straightforward operation and reliable performance, making it a go-to choice for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals. Whether you’re working on a simple home project or a demanding construction job, this tool ensures precision and efficiency.
- Pros: Unrivaled accuracy with 9 sensors, no calibration needed, detects stud edges and centers instantly, works on drywall, plaster, and paneling.
- Cons: Bulky design, no live wire or pipe detection, not ideal for ceiling work because of its horizontal orientation.
Buy Franklin Sensors ProSensor T6 on Amazon
2. Zircon MultiScanner A200
The Zircon MultiScanner A200 is our top budget pick, coming in at less than half the price of premium models like the Bosch GMS120. This electronic model comes with center and edge detection, and it detects live wires as well as wood and metal studs. Plus, it has a large, easy-to-read LCD screen. It features 5 scanning modes – TC (Target Control), StudScan, DeepScan, Metal Scan, and AC Scan. Its ability to cut down on false positives, helping you avoid drilling into PVC and metal pipes, sets it apart in a crowded field of options.
- Pros: Affordable, 5 scanning modes, detects wood, metal, and live wires, Auto Correcting Technology compensates for errors.
- Cons: Needs calibration before each use, less accurate for stud centers compared to Franklin models.
Buy Zircon MultiScanner A200 on Amazon
3. Bosch GMS120 Digital Multi-Scanner
In order to properly rate and review the best stud finders and confidently recommend certain models for specific use cases, I put seven stud finders through a comprehensive, hands-on testing process. I evaluated their capabilities on a variety of wall surfaces and home types, eventually settling on the Bosch GMS120 Stud Finder as the best overall option. It has three modes; wood, metal, and electrical, and is quite accurate with all three. In addition to the three scan modes, the Bosch has a center finder for studs, a magnetic sensor that shows screws and other metal, and a ring that changes color depending on how close you are to the material you’re after.
- Pros: Highly accurate, detects wood, metal, and live wires, center finder, works on multiple wall types.
- Cons: Expensive, needs calibration, a bit complex for beginners.
4. C.H. Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder
After all of our testing, we’ve concluded that the C.H. Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder offers the best combination of functionality, durability, and price. It’s fast. Because the C.H. Hanson model has two magnets instead of just one, it scans twice as fast as the other magnet-based finders we tried. When you swipe it across a wall, it covers approximately a 2.5-inch swath. The other models, with their single magnets, scan only about 1.25 inches at most. During testing, the superior two-magnet design meant we had to slide the tool back and forth an average of only five times (instead of 10) to locate a screw head. It makes marking a stud simpler. In the center of the tool is a small bubble level vial that you can rotate; it clicks securely into place at the horizontal and vertical positions.
- Pros: Affordable, no batteries required, durable, fast scanning with dual magnets, built-in level for marking.
- Cons: Detects nails/screws, doesn’t detect studs directly, less effective on plaster walls, no wire or pipe detection.
Buy C.H. Hanson 03040 on Amazon
5. Walabot DIY 2
Our top pick is the Walabot DIY 2, the first visual stud finder that works with your smartphone. The Walabot DIY 2 is the king of stud finders, giving you a literal window into your walls. It’s a splurge, but the features and ease of use make it a game-changer for serious DIYers and pros. While the price and optional case might be deterrents for some, it’s hard to beat the confidence of knowing exactly what’s behind your wall before you drill.
- Pros: Visualizes studs, wires, and pipes on your smartphone, rechargeable battery, highly accurate, deep scanning up to 4 inches.
- Cons: Expensive, requires smartphone, optional MagSafe case adds cost.
Comparison Table: Top 5 Stud Finders
| Model | Type | Max Depth | Live Wire Detection | Price (Approx.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin Sensors ProSensor T6 | Electronic | 1.5 in. | No | $50 | DIYers, professionals needing accuracy |
| Zircon MultiScanner A200 | Electronic | 1.5 in. | Yes | $30 | Budget-conscious users |
| Bosch GMS120 | Electronic | 4.75 in. | Yes | $80 | Versatile, multi-material projects |
| C.H. Hanson 03040 | Magnetic | 0.5 in. | No | $10 | Simple, affordable stud finding |
| Walabot DIY 2 | Radar | 4 in. | Yes | $150 | Tech-savvy pros, complex projects |
Testing Scenarios and Performance
Real-World Testing Setup
For this list of best stud finders, he tested 13 models from online retailers like Amazon, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart, exploring products ranging in size, price, capability, style, and more. Using both drywall and plaster, he evaluated each stud finder for functionality, accuracy, durability, and usability, as well as price point and overall value, noting his likes and dislikes to determine the overall winners to recommend. HGTV Shopping Experts think the best method for testing products is based on how our fans will use them in the real world. In each of our Tested and Reviewed stories, products are not tested in sterile lab settings that don’t reflect real life. Instead, we test products in real homes that reflect our readers’ real lives, which may also include pets, kids, partners, and more.
Key Findings from Tests
- Drywall Performance: All top picks performed well on standard drywall, with Franklin Sensors and Bosch excelling at pinpointing stud centers. The C.H. Hanson was notably fast for quick scans but required multiple passes to confirm stud location.
- Plaster Walls: The Mecurate Wall Scanner and Bosch GMS120 stood out for plaster walls, detecting studs and wires consistently, though slower passes were needed for accuracy.
- Live Wire Detection: Models like the Zircon A200 and Walabot DIY 2 provided reliable AC detection, crucial for avoiding electrical hazards.
- Ease of Use: Franklin’s no-calibration design and C.H. Hanson’s simplicity were favorites for beginners, while Bosch and Walabot suited pros comfortable with complex interfaces.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Stud Finder
Choosing the right stud finder comes down to the type of project you have in mind. Before selecting one, you’ll want to consider the type, accuracy, ease of use, and any additional features like a bubble level or detection of live wires.
Types of Stud Finders
- Magnetic Stud Finders: Magnetic stud finders find the fasteners that attach drywall to studs as you wave a magnet along the wall. Since fasteners often sit over a foot apart on a single stud, locating one with a magnetic stud finder may take longer, but this option is affordable and quite simple to use.
- Electronic Stud Finders: An electronic stud finder runs on batteries and has features such as deep scanning modes that see through thick material, an LED display, and in some cases, live wire detection. It works by detecting changes in wall density to locate studs.
- Radar-Based Finders: The most advanced stud finders use technology like ground-penetrating radar, which creates a subsurface image. For most home uses, like hanging pictures or bathroom mirrors, a magnetic stud finder gets the job done effectively.
Key Features to Look For
- Accuracy: Accuracy is not a magnetic stud finder’s best attribute, however. Because these tools rely on the fastener actually being driven into the stud, if a builder missed the stud, so will the magnetic stud finder. In commercial construction, where metal studs are standard, magnetic stud finders are typically more reliable.
- Depth Detection: For most drywall projects, a 1.5-inch scanning depth is all you need. However, don’t assume that deeper scanning guarantees more accurate results. “Anything deeper is overkill unless you are working on double-layer drywall or custom acoustic paneling,” Niemela says.
- Live Wire Detection: Home builder Mazzuca says that stud finders are great for everyday projects around the house, like mounting a TV, hanging a picture, or installing a cabinet. “But most people don’t know they can also be used to detect pipes, wiring, and dense objects hidden inside the wall,” he says.
- Ease of Use: Using and becoming familiar with your stud finder can be a bit of an art. If you run into issues, it is pretty frustrating, as you can’t see behind the wall to know what’s going on. Many units have a calibration mode. This sets the wall’s density baseline and gives the unit a reference.
Tips for Using a Stud Finder
- Turn on the stud finder. Once you see the green light, the stud finder is ready. The ready light means calibration was successful.
- Slide the stud finder along the wall in a smooth continuous motion until the stud finder alerts you that you’ve found a stud.
- With magnetic finders especially, start with a general idea of where to look. Electrical outlets and light switches are almost always found adjacent to studs, so measure 16 inches on either side and that’s generally where you’ll find the next stud.
- If you do get a reading, check other points on the wall up or down from that point to make sure you’re on a stud, not something else inside the wall.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the difference between magnetic and electronic stud finders?
Magnetic stud finders use magnets to detect metal fasteners (nails or screws) in studs, making them affordable and simple but less accurate, especially on plaster walls. Electronic stud finders detect density changes, offering higher accuracy and features like live wire detection, but they require batteries and calibration.
Can stud finders work on plaster walls?
Yes, but plaster walls are trickier due to their thickness and potential steel lath. Electronic models like the Mecurate Wall Scanner or Bosch GMS120 perform best, though slower passes are needed. Magnetic finders may struggle unless scanning baseboards for nails.
Do I need a stud finder with live wire detection?
If you’re working in older homes or areas with complex wiring, live wire detection is crucial to avoid drilling into electrical hazards. Models like the Zircon A200 or Walabot DIY 2 offer this feature, providing peace of mind.
How do I ensure accurate readings?
Calibrate electronic models as per instructions, move slowly across the wall, and verify findings by checking multiple points. For magnetic finders, start near outlets or switches and confirm with vertical scans to ensure you’re on a stud.
Are expensive stud finders worth it?
For occasional DIY tasks, affordable options like the C.H. Hanson or Zircon A200 suffice. For frequent or complex projects, premium models like the Walabot DIY 2 or Bosch GMS120 offer advanced features and reliability, justifying the cost.
Conclusion
Picking the right stud finder can make a world of difference, whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional. The Franklin Sensors ProSensor T6 offers unrivaled accuracy for most users, while the C.H. Hanson 03040 is perfect for budget-conscious DIYers. For tech-savvy pros, the Walabot DIY 2 provides unparalleled visibility. Use our buying guide and comparison table to find the best fit for your projects, and always prioritize accuracy and ease of use. For more home improvement tools, check out This Old House’s Tool Guides or Bob Vila’s Equipment Reviews.