Skip to main content

The best stud finders

Mounting a TV over the weekend? What about a wall of family photos? Sounds like you’re going to need a stud finder. An essential DIY tool for any homeowner or renter, the best stud finders should be well-equipped to dissect your walls with features like LCD screens, wire detection, audible chimes, and magnetized stud detection.

Before we start, a quick word about apps. While there are many apps for detecting studs on a variety of platforms, these are not real stud finders and — as the ratings often show — thus have a very poor track record. Smartphones simply aren’t designed to reliably detect studs in your wall (at least not yet). It’s a little like using the butt of a screwdriver as a hammer: There’s a chance it may work, but it’s definitely not the right tool for the job. That said, check out our list of the best stud finders below.

CH Hanson 03040

CH Hanson
Cheap, simple, and reliable, this is one of the best-selling stud finders around for people who don’t want to waste their money or time. You probably know how it feels to need a tool, and the extreme frustration when that tool doesn’t work. This magnetic unit uses the traditional system of magnets to locate studs, so there are no batteries to worry about replacing and no fear of running out of power in the middle of hanging your TV.

It also comes with the “bubble vial” common in levels, so you can make quick adjustments on the fly and ensure everything is even (no laser sightlines included, though). There aren’t many extra features on this model, and it is a specialized tool for homeowners, but that is probably exactly what most of you are looking for, which is why it gets top billing on our list.

Buy one now from:

Zircon i65

Zircoin i65
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you want broader functionality and more ease of use than the simple CH Hanson model provides, this Zircon stud finder should be right up your alley. It has a small LCD screen that shows you exactly where the stud’s center is and offers audio cues to help you quickly locate additional studs. Then there is the surprisingly handy wire warning feature, which detects the presence of live wires up to two inches into the wall, which is especially useful for contractors, but also nice for homeowners who would rather not ruin their own wiring when doing a little DIY work. The downside is that these extra features increase the price.

Buy one now from:

ProSensor 710 Franklin

ProSensor 710
Image used with permission by copyright holder

This model offers remarkable stud-finding ability and can work equally well for ambitious DIYers or professionals. It has a broad horizontal sensor setup that allows you to get a good look at the wall, with a row of LED lights that mark exactly where objects begin and end for more detailed work (up to 1.5 inches deep). However, the 710 is a one-trick pony: It can detect studs and similar objects, but you won’t get any other information out of it — there’s no LCD screen and no live wire detection. But what it does, it does extremely well.

Buy one now from:

Stanley FatMax Stud Sensor 300

Stanley FatMax Stud Sensor
Image used with permission by copyright holder
This Stanley model is a step closer to the professional-grade, ideal if you are undertaking a big project, move around a lot, or just really want to hang a bunch of things on your walls. It includes a backlit LCD screen for low-light conditions and auto-calibration that makes setup a whole lot easier. There are also a couple of secondary detection features that can sense live wires, as well as any metal present up to three inches in the wall, which is useful for a lot more than just finding studs.

Buy one now from:

Black and Decker BDL190S

Black-Decker BDL100S
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Black and Decker created this sturdy, top-tier stud finder with durability and dependability in mind for all projects, big or small. Professional construction companies routinely use them for large-scale building, and homeowners can benefit just as much from them for their do-it-yourself installations. It includes auto-leveling tech and projects little horizontal lines so you can make your marks with confidence. The LCD screen is particularly full of information, showing you studs, metal studs, and live wires. A wall attachment accessory allows you to lock it in place for more involved projects. Note that you will need a couple of AA batteries to run this weighty stud finder.

Buy one now from:

Vivreal 4-in-1 Stud Finder and Wall Scanner

Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you have been exasperated with stud finders in the past and prefer one that can tell you more, this model may be a good option. It features an LCD and four different scanning modes: Stud scan, deep scan, metal scan, and AC scan. You’ll be able to pinpoint exactly what lies behind your walls down to the material, shape, and purpose. It can detect things like live wires, metal, and studs. Plus, automatic calibration makes this device easy to use, and the price is very reasonable, too.

Buy one now from:

Studpop Magnetic Studfinder

Studpop
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you aren’t the ambitious type, and you’re looking for a user-friendly, affordable, and reliable stud finder to use in your home, then Studpop is the product for you. You put the button-like model on the wall. It pops up when sensing a stud. You put a screw on the spot and you’re done. It works on common materials like sheetrock, plaster, lathe, and tile, and doesn’t require any batteries. If you are hanging shelves or mounting simple objects around the house, you may want a casual stud finder you can keep in a kitchen drawer and pull out when needed.

Buy it now at:

Michael Bizzaco
Former AV Contributor
Michael Bizzaco has been selling, installing, and talking about TVs, soundbars, streaming devices, and all things smart home…
Best Cyber Monday generator deals: Gas and solar generators at up to 62% off
The EcoFlow River 2 Max solar generator charging outdoors using its solar panel.

Buying a generator for your home has become a necessity these days, as it's very tough to last even for a few hours without power. There's always the possibility of a power outage, wherever you may be, so if you don't have one yet, we highly recommend taking advantage of any of these live Cyber Monday generator deals. A generator may also serve as a power source for your outdoor adventures and your backyard parties, so it's going to prove to be a worthwhile purchase for everyone. Don't forget, that the best portable power station deals also include some reliable electric generators and solar-powered backup batteries.

There are all kinds of Amazon Cyber Monday deals and Best Buy Cyber Monday deals that you can spend your money on, with offers covering practically every product category out there. However, you should start your shopping focused on your needs over your wants, and a generator is most certainly something that will help your family. Check out the Cyber Monday generator deals that we've gathered below, and if you see something that you like, complete your transaction for it as soon as possible as there's no telling how much time is remaining before the bargain ends.
Our top pick: Anker SOLIX F2000 2,048 Watt-hour Solar Generator + 400 Watt Solar Panel -- $1,499 $2,898 48% off

Read more
Cyber Monday Jackery deals 2024: Save up to 50% on Jackery power stations
Jackery 300 Plus Solar Generator used out in the wilderness lifestyle image.

We're seeing some great Cyber Monday deals, including some awesome discounts on Jackery power stations with extensive savings on already budget-friendly options, as well as high-end devices that will sustain you during home emergencies or RV camping journeys. If you’re keen to save big on a new power station, you’re in the right place. Besides picking these out, we also have roundups on the best Cyber Monday laptop deals and the best Cyber Monday TV deals.

Read on while we focus on all things power stations for now. Besides keeping an eye on the best Cyber Monday Jackery deals, we also have some great buying advice to help you know exactly what to think about before hitting the buy button.
Our top pick: Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro -- $1,999 $3,999 50% off

Read more
Cyber Monday Milwaukee deals: up to 55% off M18 and M12 tools
Milwaukee M18 Inflator connected to a van tire.

Milwaukee is one of the most interesting of the big cordless power tool companies, simply because it just has great tools. For starters, the Milwaukee line goes above and beyond when it comes to providing quality — you'll see the brand represented among the best Cyber Monday drill deals, for example, and you'll also see them top out-of-the-way charts like our collection of the best portable tire inflators.

Simply put, Milwaukee gets the job done — regardless of the task at hand. At the same time, figuring out which line of their Cyber Monday power tool deals is best for you (the M12 or the M18) can be a bit challenging. While it doesn't sound too complex, one powers less powerful 12V tools while the other handles stronger 18V tools, if you've ever forgotten where your keys are you might also easily forget which Milwaukee line you're building up a battery collection for. So, take a deep breath before assessing these Cyber Monday deals, checking over what each one is, and maybe even hopping out to your garage to double-check what you have.
Our top pick: Milwaukee M18 Tire Inflator (Tool only) — $150 $310 52% off

Read more