6 Best Stud Finders of 2026, Tested and Reviewed
Adding a stud finder to your toolbox will help protect your walls and wall decor.
Kamron Sanders
Our Top Stud Finder Picks
Tested by Kamron Sanders
Whether you’re a brand-new homeowner or an experienced contractor, a stud finder is an irreplaceable tool. Stud finders help you accurately find wall studs to securely mount things like TVs, cabinets, heavy mirrors, shelves and other wall decor that drywall simply can’t support. Below, we’ve outlined some important factors to consider when buying a stud finder and chosen our top recommendations for the best stud finders based on thorough testing.
How We Tested
To find the best stud finder, we put 13 popular stud finders from top brands to the test. Admittedly, after using only unreliable electronic stud finders in the past, we had nearly given up on finding a decent stud finder. This test proved there are several excellent stud finders to choose from. From identifying studs behind standard drywall to seeking studs behind hard-to-read, thick plaster walls, we separated the best from the worst to find the most accurate stud finder.
Faux Wall Drywall Test: To ensure the stud finders were sensing what they said they were, we framed up a faux wall complete with finished drywall. Inside, we had studs of course, but we included some other common wall interior finds, such as a wire, a PVC pipe, a copper pipe and a galvanized pipe. We used each stud finder to scan the wall and recorded how accurate it was when identifying the edges and center of the studs. We also recorded how each model reacted when placed over the other items, and whether it labeled them as studs.
Kamron Sanders
Max Depth Test: To test the max scan depth of each stud finder against each brand’s claims, we placed a screw behind the drywall and slowly pulled it back until the stud finder no longer recognized it, then recorded the true max scan distance.
Plaster Wall Test: To further test each stud finder, we took them inside a 100-plus-year-old house and scanned the thick plaster walls. These plaster walls were made with gypsum lath rather than metal or wood, which meant the only wood behind the plaster was the studs. Several models that performed well on drywall dropped the ball on the plaster wall test.
Wire Detection Test: On both the drywall and the plaster walls, we used the stud finders that featured live-wire detection to scan the walls for live electrical circuits. We then recorded how sensitive and how easy each model was to read.
Kamron Sanders
Magnetic Stud Finder Test: To find the best magnetic stud finder, we performed all the applicable tests from above, while also testing to see how they would react to ferrous metal objects behind the wall, such as the galvanized pipe. Unsurprisingly, the magnetic stud finders all struggled to find the metal fasteners behind the thick plaster and gypsum lath.
Kamron Sanders
How to Find Studs in a Wall
Finding wall studs doesn't have to be a guessing game. If you're hanging something heavy on the wall, follow these best practices and pinpoint a stud with ease.
- Incredibly accurate
- No-frills design
- Integrated stud marker
- Reasonable price
- No wire detection
The best stud finder is the RYOBI ESF5002 Stud Finder. Though we were testing several pricey options that would presumably take the top spot, the RYOBI outdid them all with its easy-to-read, multi-LED display and superior accuracy.
Out of all stud finders we tested, the RYOBI consistently found the studs with zero confusion and its bright LEDs were the most accurate representation of the stud’s actual position. As we moved the tool back and forth, the lights would nearly perfectly match the placement of the stud.
The cherry on top is the integrated stud marker, which marks the wall with a small indentation at the push of a button. Oh, and did we mention it’s nearly a third of the price of the most expensive model tested?
- Size: 9.76" x 5.83" x 1.42"
- Weight: 9.2 oz.
- Magnetic or Electronic: Electronic
- Max Depth: 1.5"
- Special Features: Stud marker
- Small size
- Powerful magnets
- Rotating level
- Performs poorly on plaster
The C.H. Hanson stud finder is small but mighty. Let’s make one thing clear — we’re reaching for this magnetic stud finder before any other stud finder. No, it’s not the “Best Overall” pick. The reason? It performed poorly on plaster walls, as they were too thick for the magnets to hold on the nail heads.
But, as a simple stud finder for use on drywall, it located and grabbed fasteners quickly in our tests. Plus, the rotating level in the center lets you quickly mark a level or plumb line without having to grab a second tool. Once you’re finished, this magnetic stud finder is compact enough to slide into your pocket.
- Size: 3.25” x 1.25” x .625”
- Weight: 2.4 oz.
- Magnetic or Electronic: Magnetic
- Max Depth: 3/4"
- Special Features: Rotating bubble level
- Wide display shows multiple objects at once
- Pencil holder
- Bubble level
- Very accurate
- Expensive
- Too big
The Franklin Sensors ProSensor T13 Stud Finder is sturdily built, accurate and includes some extra features we love. What really sold us on this stud finder during testing was its wide multi-LED design (13 LEDs, to be exact), which can identify more than one object at a time.
This is very helpful for working near windows and doors or in corners of the room where you may have two studs close together. Plus, it lets you know when another object, such as a pipe or a wire, is sitting close to a stud. In addition to the tool’s main objective of finding studs, it includes a bubble level and a handy pencil holder hidden inside the grip.
While many stud finders require you to calibrate them each time you use them by placing them against the wall then turning them on, we like that the Franklin Sensors model can be used right away with no calibration.
- Size: 7.5" x 3" x 2.7"
- Weight: 6.4 oz.
- Magnetic or Electronic: Electronic
- Max Depth: 1.6"
- Special Features: Bubble level, pencil holder
- Great user interface
- Simple on/off control
- Includes a padded pouch
- Expensive
- Max depth is disappointing
If you’re the type who loves tools with all the bells and whistles, the BOSCH GMS120 Wall Scanner is right up your alley. With a Wood, Metal and Live Wiring mode, it can accurately locate just about anything inside your wall.
This stud finder has features no other stud finder we tested had. First, you can simply turn it on and scan walls rather than having to hold a button down the whole time. While that may not seem like a big deal, it comes in handy when working in tight, awkward spaces. Plus, you can turn on a backlit LED to make reading the screen easier in any lighting. Working at severe angles and still can’t see the screen? Simply turn on the audible beep instead. Add in the hand strap and padded pouch, and we’re sold.
- Size: 6.5" x 10.25" x 3"
- Weight: 1.1 lbs.
- Magnetic or Electronic: Electronic
- Max Depth: 4-3/4"
- Special Features: Backlit screen, on/off beep indication, wire detection, padded pouch, hand strap
- Accurate and informative wire detection
- Pencil holder
- Good price point
- Multi-light readout wasn't as accurate as other models
Though it was only in 2019 when Walmart launched HART as their exclusive tool brand, they’re already presenting themselves as serious contenders in the tool world. The HART Professional 9-LED Stud Finder features a design reminiscent of the Franklin Sensors ProSensor T13 with an added feature we love.
Though wire detectors aren’t new to stud finders, this one is our favorite one we tested. The multi-light readout for the wire detector is similar to that multi-LED display used for identifying studs.
During our testing, it accurately showed how close you were to live electrical wires, illuminating more lights as you get closer and fewer as you back away. If all six lights illuminate, you know you should refrain from carelessly drilling or screwing into the wall.
- Size: 5.45” x 2.8” x 2.05”
- Weight: 5.12 oz.
- Magnetic or Electronic: Electronic
- Max Depth: 1.5"
- Special Features: Multi-light wire detection, pencil holder
- Integrated auto-leveling laser level
- AC wire detection
- Hard to accurately read stud position
- Bulky
A stud finder with a built-in laser level? Yes, please. The BLACK+DECKER Bullseye is an interior decorator’s dream. Use it to find studs, then hang anything from shelves, gallery walls, TVs, cabinetry and more perfectly straight using the integrated auto-leveling laser level. Oh, and did we mention it can also detect AC wires? All for less than $60.
- Size: 10" x 8.2" x 1.9”
- Weight: 15.5 oz.
- Magnetic or Electronic: Electronic
- Max Depth: 3/4"
- Special Features: AC wire detection, auto-leveling laser level
How to Choose the Best Stud Finder
Choosing the best stud finder starts by identifying which features you need for your projects, then choosing a top pick that aligns with your needs. Here are some things to look for when shopping for a stud finder.
Magnetic vs. Electronic: There are two kinds of stud finders on the market: electronic and magnetic. A magnetic stud finder doesn’t require batteries. Instead it uses strong rare earth magnets to grab onto metal studs or fasteners behind the wall. An electronic stud finder is typically more expensive, but these models usually come with bonus features such as measuring walls or detecting live wires within walls.
Kamron Sanders
But for the simple peace of mind of locating a stud in drywall for hanging framed artwork, a no-frills magnet stud finder is just fine. For more intricate wall hangings, heavy items or mounting a TV, you likely want as much information as possible. According to Andre Thompson, senior merchant of hand tools at The Home Depot, more premium stud finders can detect “the edge of the stud board, measure the center or detect studs up to one and a half inches deep in the wall.”
Max Depth: Depth is another important feature to consider when shopping for a stud finder. Most basic stud finders for wooden wall studs in drywall range from 3/4 inch to one inch in depth. However, more premium stud finders and stud finders with live wire detection can monitor over two inches.
Wire Detection: While driving a small nail into the wall likely won’t get you into trouble with a live electrical circuit, larger fasteners and drill bits can penetrate electrical wires and pose a shock risk. Many stud finders feature wire detection that can alert you when you’re hovering over or around a live electrical circuit.
Kamron Sanders
Accuracy: Sure, if you drive a small screw into the wall to hold a picture frame, it’s not going to make or break anything if it sits closer to the edge of the stud than the center. However, if you’re driving a 3/8-inch lag bolt into the wall to mount your TV, you’re going to want to know exactly where the center of the stud is to ensure you sink the bolt in as much firm wood as possible. Look for a stud finder that accurately identifies the full width of the stud using multiple LEDs or indicates exactly where the center and edge of the stud lie.
Kamron Sanders
Size: Stud finders come in vastly different sizes. Some can fit in your pocket, while others take up a lot of toolbox real estate. For the most part, a larger stud finder has more features, such as a wide set of lights for displaying stud placement or a built-in laser level. But, if you don’t need fancy features, you can’t beat the small footprint of a simple magnetic stud finder.
Kamron Sanders
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a stud finder do?
“A stud finder is a handheld tool created to scan drywall for wood studs,” says Andre Thompson, senior merchant of hand tools at The Home Depot. “Properly locating studs can help securely hang items ranging from artwork to electronics.”
Most homes today have drywall for all interior walls, and it's best to find the studs when hanging items on drywall. Historic homes in the U.S. from the 1700s to early 1900s may still have thick, plaster walls. For example, The Crafty Lumberjacks live in a prewar building in Queens, New York and haven’t found a stud finder that's easy to use since, in addition to the vertical studs, plaster walls have narrow pieces of horizontal wood slats or sometimes metal mesh the plaster is applied to, making it difficult for a stud finder to distinguish where the studs are. “If you look closely, our walls really look like Swiss cheese,” they share.
If you do have plaster walls, the good news is plaster is stronger than drywall, so lighter wall art or wall hangings weighing less than 20 pounds can hang on plaster securely even if you're not able to find the studs. For hanging heavier items like TVs or ceiling-mounted lights on plaster, you will need to find the studs.
A tip for using stud finders on plaster walls is to scan the baseboards instead of the wall to find nail heads that connect to the studs, and once you've found a magnetic point on the baseboards, you've likely found the stud above. If you have trouble finding the studs on plaster walls and when in doubt, it's never a bad idea to hire a professional to hang heavier items.
Do I really need to use a stud finder?
Yes, you do. HGTV Designer Brian Patrick Flynn hangs a lot of wall decor. He styles and designs HGTV giveaway homes, as well as celebrity homes, remodels and more, and he always uses a stud finder. “Drywall can be deceptive, and it may seem like something is fastened to the wall,” he says. “But after a matter of hours or days, if the object hung is just pulling on a sheet of drywall, it can rip and fall off. When you drill into a stud, you’re drilling into something structural and solid, and it’s way safer!”
How do you use a stud finder?
Different types of stud finders require different steps for use. For instance, a magnetic stud finder can be moved back and forth in an “S” motion until it clings to a metal fastener. Most electronic models require the user to place the stud finder against the wall, turn it on and then move it slowly horizontally until it identifies the location of a stud.
Can stud finders be wrong?
A stud finder can be wrong in the sense that it simply doesn’t identify a stud when there is, in fact, a stud. However, a false positive reading is usually due to another object behind the wall that the stud finder mistakes for a stud. This could be pipes, electrical wires, other boards, lath or other items typically found behind walls.
Do stud finders work on all wall types, including plaster?
Yes, most stud finders work on all types of walls, including plaster. However, some stud finders work better than others to locate studs behind plaster walls, which can be thicker than drywall and feature different materials used for lath, which is the substrate that holds the plaster in place.
Do stud finders work through tile?
Yes, many stud finders work to find studs behind tile. However, the material and thickness of the tile, as well as the thickness of the substrate will determine whether the stud finder will work or not. In most cases, a stud finder with a “deep scan” option may be most accurate to locate studs behind tile and other thick wall surfaces.
Why You Should Trust Our Tester
This article was written by Kamron Sanders, a freelance home improvement writer and professional product tester with over 15 years of experience with DIYs, remodeling, construction and woodworking. For this list of best stud finders, he tested 13 models from online retailers like Amazon, The Home Depot, Lowes 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.
Why You Should Trust HGTV Shopping Experts
HGTV Shopping Experts believe 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 laboratory settings that don't mimic real life. Instead, we test products in real homes that reflect our readers' real lives, which may also include pets, kids, partners and more. We follow rigorous testing rubrics designed by our expert editors and take copious notes during the testing process. When choosing our top picks, we evaluate all of our testing data and take into consideration many factors including ease of use, price, product availability and practicality. Our goal is to choose the best products for our fans.
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