Best Stud Finders of 2023

best stud finders

Last Updated on February 17, 2022

Our editors independently research the best products online to produce this list. We may receive commission on purchases made from the links below but this will never affect our product choices.


Top 10 Best Stud Finders

  1. Tavool Tavoolloo TH510 (Editor’s Choice)
  2. BOSCH Professional 601081000 (Luxury Choice)
  3. CH Hanson 03040 (Best Value)
  4. Tavool Tavoolloo SF-SILVER-DE
  5. Folai 5-in-1 Yellow
  6. Aexn LCD Display
  7. Tavool Silver 4 in 1
  8. Franklin Sensors FS710PRO 710+
  9. The Stud Buddy
  10. Zircon i65

If you would like to know where to find the best stud finder UK companies have to offer, then you have come to the right place. However, we are not going to simply tell you all about the best stud finder on the market. Instead, we will also offer some useful tips and advice on what you should be looking out for when contemplating buying this particular tool.

There is no doubt that a stud finder can prove to be one of the best purchases you will ever make, as the difference it can make to a whole host of DIY projects will be invaluable. The fact that most can deliver the correct results to you in seconds will also mean your project is not delayed any longer than it needs to.

But here is something else to consider before you check out our reviews. A stud finder is also a piece of safety equipment. If you are the type of person who is always drilling holes in the wall, then this little guy is more important than even your drill.

But even with this safety aspect in mind, by the end of reading our reviews and tips, you will find yourself in a better position to make the right decision about your new stud finder. So, with that in mind, let’s get on with the reviews.

How we Compared Stud Finders

stud finders collage

To find the right stud finders we considered multiple factors, including:

  • Electronic or magnetic stud finder
  • Accuracy
  • Display
  • Ease of use

Our team independently examined and compared hundreds of products to help satisfy different needs. We spent our time researching stud finders and consulting customer reviews to ultimately bring you what, in our opinion, are the best options on the market right now.

To find out more about our editorial process, take a look here.

Stud Finder Reviews

Tavool Tavoolloo TH510 (Editor’s Choice)

First, we have this model by a brand you may have never heard of before: Tavool Tavoolloo. However, this is an excellent stud finder, and we have included it as our editor’s choice for a number of reasons.

The first reason is that this electronic stud finder powered by batteries is exceptionally easy to use. It is also very accurate and consistent in its results so that it will detect studs with absolute ease each and every time. This stud finder also comes with five scanning modes, and it has a deep scan mode to a maximum depth of 60 mm. That will certainly prove to be enough for most eventualities.

But then, there’s also the range of items that this stud finder can locate. We are talking about wooden studs here and metal studs, beams, joists, and even metal pipes. It can find anything you need and will locate studs in seconds.

To help you locate those wooden or metal studs, it comes with an LCD screen that tells you about what you are finding and the direction it’s heading. This is why it’s one of the best stud finders out there, as it simply makes the entire process so much easier than you would expect.

Overall, we love this Tavool stud finder and its ability to find studs and detect wood or other metals is a key reason as to why we love this stud finder. Oh, and it also finds wires, so safety will not be a problem either.

Pros:

  • It finds more materials than different stud finders on the market
  • It has a clear LCD screen
  • It has a number of scanning modes
  • It works to a reasonable depth
  • It will locate studs in seconds

Cons:

  • At first, the different modes may be difficult to follow
  • The batteries could have performed slightly better

BOSCH Professional 601081000 (Luxury Choice)

This stud finder by Bosch is another wonderful example of how detecting studs should not be a problem. Complete with three different settings, it offers a metal mode and drywall and wire mode, so everything is covered.

This model deals with both magnetic and non-magnetic metal when it comes to metal objects, so nothing should be able to slip past its scanning ability. This stud finder alerts you to studs and wires via a colour indicator on the LCD screen. It operates a traffic light system with red, meaning it has located an object, yellow for one being near to where you are scanning, and green for being clear. It’s a simple system, but one that works well with this stud finder.

This model is one of the best stud finders because of its accuracy. It also makes sure it’s easy to operate, which is key when you need to use a stud finder. It makes it easy to know when it has found metal objects, wood studs, or anything else in the walls.

For the depth, this can go down to 120 mm, which is going to mean it will find all the wall studs without missing any. This depth applies to the metal scan, as well as when trying to detect wood.

Overall, we love this Bosch stud finder because it does such a fantastic job as a stud detector. The fact it finds studs without making life difficult is another key, and that is why it is one of the best stud finders on the market.

Pros:

  • It is very easy to use
  • It scans to an impressive depth
  • It finds metal objects, wires, and wood studs with ease
  • It operates a simple light system to alert you
  • It uses little power, so the batteries last a long time

Cons:

  • It may have been better to indicate the measurement on the screen
  • It may be too sensitive at detecting electricity

CH Hanson 03040 (Best Value)

We have the perfect option if you don’t want to spend a fortune and prefer a budget stud finder. This model by CH Hanson is not going to sacrifice the quality of its scanning ability, and it is still an amazing stud detector at the same time.

This stud finder is small and compact, so it can fit in your pocket with ease. It also comes with a soft grip attached, so you can hold it in place without worrying about it moving around until it has detected those studs.

This model uses rare earth magnets to locate the studs, and it then has a level included in the stud detector to allow you to mark the position. This may mean it can only perform basic tasks, but magnetic finders have been around for longer than electric stud finders, and this one certainly works well. Overall, if you want a basic stud finder that can locate various studs with ease, then this may be the perfect option.

Pros:

  • It uses a simple approach to locating studs
  • It is easy to hold in place
  • The level makes it easy to mark the spot
  • It is small and fits in your pocket
  • It includes powerful magnets to find the studs

Cons:

  • It can only find things that contain magnetic metals
  • It cannot work well through tiles

Tavool Tavoolloo SF-SILVER-DE

This stud finder by Tavool Tavoolloo is different to the one listed as our editor’s choice, but this model is still impressive when it comes to locating those studs. Running via battery power, it too works to a depth of 60 mm, and it can detect wooden beams, locate wood studs, wire warning detection, and metal objects hidden in the wall.

As stud finder models go, this version is brilliant when it comes to a metal scan and finding those live wires. It also acts well as a wall scanner, and it can offer you quite an exact location for those studs or wires, even when dealing with plaster walls or through tiles.

This part about finding live wires is important. Also, we love how this stud finder will tell you where the studs are located and tell you where the edges are. Few stud finders actually offer this, so when you do your stud scan with this model, you know exactly where the stud is located, and it makes being able to find studs a whole lot easier.

This stud finder is one we love just because it delivers results. Thanks to its clear LCD screen and an easy to use wall scanner, all you need to do is to switch it on and let it do its job.

Pros:

  • It will find live wires with ease
  • It works to varying depths depending on your needs
  • It shows the edge of the studs
  • It will also find metal objects and metal pipes
  • It displays things clearly on the screen

Cons:

  • It may be slightly too sensitive with electricity and pick it up from a distance
  • You will need to get used to the scanner modes

Folai 5-in-1 Yellow

If you want to simply find studs in your plaster walls before doing some DIY, then this stud finder by Folai is certainly something you want to consider owning.

It comes with five different scanning modes, and it won’t only find studs but also metal tubes, brackets, and live wire. It covers everything you would expect and want in a stud finder.

One thing that we do love about this stud finder is that it automatically calibrates itself. That means you can trust this wall scanner every single time you go ahead and use it, and it should find studs without too many problems.

This model has also had something of an upgrade to the LCD screen, which means everything is significantly clearer when it comes to what you see before you. However, it doesn’t only give you a visual alert but also a loud warning when you have indeed found those live wires or studs.

In this instance, we love this stud finder because of the way in which it calibrates itself, leading to a greater sense of confidence in it finding what you are looking for. Overall, it works well, and with its capability of searching to a depth of 3 inches through wood and walls, it should be able to easily detect the exact location of those studs.

Pros:

  • It has multiple scanning modes
  • It has an upgraded LCD screen for greater clarity
  • It provides you with an exact location of the studs
  • It is very easy to use
  • It can work to a depth of 3 inches

Cons:

  • The battery might drain quicker than other models
  • The ac detection could work a bit too well, leading to excessive beeping

Aexn LCD Display

This model by Aexn is more than just a wall scanner. It not only has a single stud mode but five scanner options, so it covers everything you would ever want in a wall scanner. That does mean it will find more than simple wooden studs. Instead, you can add in metal studs, anything made of ferrous metal, wire warning detection, ac wires, a live wire, you name it and this product can find it.

A lot of this is due to it coming with a bolt mode included, and everything will appear on the LCD display. Talking of the LCD display, it will show things quite clearly, so there will be no mistaking what this stud finder has managed to find underneath your wall surface.

The wall stud finder also has an ergonomic grip, and that makes a difference when detecting studs, and it’s taking some time. You see, stud finding can be a slow process, so Aexn has made sure it’s not going to be too tiring on your hands.

When it comes to the depth possible when on stud scan mode, then it depends on what you are searching for. A metal scan will go as deep as 60 mm, which is slightly above what you will find with some other stud finders. However, this depth does drop to 12 mm when scanning for studs.

Overall, we love this model’s simplicity, which is why we have included it in our best stud finder reviews.

Pros:

  • The ergonomic grip makes a difference
  • It scans to a decent depth, especially for ac wiring
  • It can find both a metal stud and wooden stud
  • It will tell you the stud centre
  • It is easy to use for all DIY enthusiasts

Cons:

  • It does pick up a live wire even when it’s nowhere near it
  • The battery could perform better

Tavool Silver 4 in 1

We go back to the Tavool brand again, and this time we have their 4 in 1 model. This version comes with an LCD display. It can detect live ac wires, stud material, a wood stud finder, a wall metal detector, and just tell you where everything is below the wall surface.

It does all of this with absolute ease, and as a wall stud detector goes, this is one that any DIY enthusiast will be able to use without any problems.

Tavool also states that this model comes with their advanced sensors technology, and they state it will mean this cable and stud detector is far more accurate than many stud finders on the market. There’s no doubt that this model is good at what it does, and it will detect live wires and even non-ferrous metal, so it does perform well in a range of tasks.

The digital LCD display is clear and easy to read, so you will know what it has found as soon as it beeps to alert you to a discovery. The LCD display is well laid out, and DIY enthusiasts will instantly know what has been found and its location.

Overall, this stud finder is easy to use, and it performs to more than a satisfactory standard. Also, it works to standard depths when compared to other stud finders on the market, so even if your ac wires are 50 mm deep, this finder is going to locate them with ease.

Pros:

  • It can find ac wires to a satisfactory depth
  • It has an easy to read LCD display
  • It can locate a number of different items on the wall
  • It automatically calibrates things, so you will get accurate readings
  • It is comfortable to hold for prolonged periods

Cons:

  • You do need to use the recalibration, or it can be slightly inaccurate at times
  • The battery is relatively poor

Franklin Sensors FS710PRO 710+

Powered by a battery, this stud finder by Franklin Sensors may not come with a large LCD screen, but it still performs well enough at finding those studs in your walls. This model uses a total of 13 different sensors, and it runs via a single touch button.

To operate it, you press the button, and lights will appear on the stud finder to indicate if it has found a stud. The surprising thing is that this model can work to greater depths compared to a number of other finders, and it’s all thanks to a greater area touching the wall at any given time. That does mean this model can be very accurate at finding those studs.

The model does also come with a spirit level attached, so you can then mark where the studs are located and know that everything is indeed on the level. That will make a real difference when it comes to working on your project, as you know, everything will be lined up perfectly.

Overall, what we love about this model is that it doesn’t try to make things complicated. It focuses entirely on doing a stud scan and letting you know where that wooden stud frame is located.

Pros:

  • It is simple in its approach
  • It only requires the press of a single button
  • It is very accurate at finding those wooden studs
  • It has a spirit level to make sure you mark things correctly
  • It works in seconds

Cons:

  • If you move it too quickly, then it will give mixed answers
  • It does rely on a battery, which runs out quicker than you would expect

The Stud Buddy

While it has an excellent name, The Stud Buddy is viewed as being the easiest stud finder UK companies have to offer, and they make a big deal out of how easy it is to use it.

This is one of the best stud finders on the market because it will find not only metal studs but wooden studs as well. It does this as it is a magnetic stud finder, so it picks up on nails and other metal objects before effectively sticking to the wall when it finds something.

As magnetic stud finders go, this one does indeed keep things as simple as possible. The magnets are highly sensitive and will pick up on those metal studs with absolute ease.

Overall, this stud finder shows you how you don’t need to always go down the road of electronic stud finders to get something that works. A simple magnetic stud finder can still point you in the direction of where those studs are located, and as it does this with ease, that is why it is in our list of the best stud finders in the UK.

Pros:

  • For a basic stud finder, it works exceptionally well
  • It hangs on the wall when it finds something, so you know exactly where the stud is
  • It works even on ceilings if the metal has been used to hold pieces together
  • The magnets are stronger than you would have initially imagined
  • It is the ideal stud finder for people looking for something quick and easy to use

Cons:

  • Thick plaster can cause problems with these magnetic stud finders
  • It cannot detect ac wiring

Zircon i65

Finally, we have another one of these electronic stud finders, and this time it’s by a company called Zircon. Their electronic stud finder will locate the edges and centre of the stud when carrying out the stud scan, so you know where everything is in an instant.

The general wall scanner mode will also go to a depth of 19 mm, but if you activate the deep scan mode, then this is doubled. That is useful when you want to use a stud finder, as the deep scan mode will just give you greater peace of mind that you won’t find something unexpectedly.

This model will also let you know where the stud centre is via the display, and it will then tell you the direction of the stud, and that is clearly essential information. Also, it will let you know when you are near electrical ac wires, and it will alert you to this in an instant.

We love this machine’s speed, which is why we see it in our list of the best stud finder reviews.

Pros:

  • It tells you where the edge and centre of the stud is located
  • It works fast and is accurate
  • The display is clear and easy to read
  • It tells you the direction of the stud
  • This electronic stud finder will locate ac wiring with ease

Cons:

  • It only works on interior walls and not exterior
  • It can struggle behind thicker tiles at times

What is a Stud Finder?

Before we get into our various tips to help you find the best stud finder for your own needs, here is a quick introduction to what this machine is even designed to do.

A stud finder is a device that you hold in your hand, press against the wall, and it then tells you where the framing studs are behind the drywall. This is a quick and easy way to know the wall’s structure behind the part you see, and it’s going to be important when you are installing something such as a TV bracket where putting it into the frame is key. But that is what a basic stud finder is going to offer. There are more advanced models out there on the market that can do a lot more.

Electronic stud finders can detect the studs and metal, beams, joists, and even live wires. You will have noticed us mentioning this in the different reviews above, and while that does make the stud finders slightly more complicated to understand, a model capable of doing those different things may be a worthwhile investment.

Overall, this is about safety and ensuring that whatever you put on your wall is safe and secure. Considering they are inexpensive to own, they could very well prove to be the most valuable tool you ever buy.

How to Find the Best Stud Finder For Your Needs

Our best stud finder reviews have covered many of the best stud finders on the market today, but how do you find the best stud finder for your own individual needs? Well, we have a number of tips for buying stud finders that could very well make a difference.

Electronic Stud Finder or Magnetic Stud Finders?

The first tip is to choose between electronic stud finders or those that use magnets. Be aware that magnetic stud finders do come with several limitations, at least compared to an electrical stud finder, but it all depends on what you plan on using it for.

A man's hand holding an electronic wall scanner

If you need a stud and wire finder, then electronic stud finders are the better option. If you only want a simple stud finder, then one using magnets will suffice.

What Do You Want to Detect?

Another tip is to have an idea of what you will want to detect before you buy your stud finder. If you merely want to find wooden studs, then you don’t require something that works at depth since those studs will be closer to the surface.

At the same time, if you are drilling deeper into the wall, and by this, we mean around 50 mm or more, you will want a stud finder that can locate those wires set deeper into the wall. This is going to be the safest option, and in this instance, your basic stud finders just won’t work so well.

But generally, we would advise going for a stud finder that covers more than just wooden studs. It increases the number of ways in which you could use it, and when your safety is at risk, it’s not worth taking a chance.

Understand the Accuracy

We recommend you take steps to understand the accuracy of the stud finder you are using, as that will help when drilling holes or hammering something into the wall.

Electronic stud finders will often be better at this simply because they come with a display screen that will show you the edge of the stud and the direction it’s running in. You can then quickly mark where everything is to then allow you to make the best call as to where to drill.

Auto-calibration is Important

Most electronic stud finders will have an auto-calibration built-in, and that is a good thing for when it comes to that accuracy point mentioned earlier. By calibrating, it effectively resets itself, and you can then effectively trust the results it’s delivering to you.

If it does not have this mode built into the stud finder, then the margin of error will increase, and when you are dealing with live ac wiring, then a margin of error is not something that you really want.

How Deep Do You Need to Go?

We have mentioned this issue of depth in passing a few times, but it’s so important that we need to single it out. A number of stud finders will also include a deep scan mode, which could be of interest to you depending on what you will be putting on your walls. Basically, engaging the deep scan mode doubles the depth that the finder will work at, yet the accuracy does not decrease.

Not every stud finder does come with this option, and that applies even to electronic stud finders. Once again, it all depends on what you plan on doing with your DIY projects, but we would often recommend erring on the side of caution when your safety is at risk.

What to Avoid with a Stud Finder

Finally, a quick word about what to avoid with a stud finder: for us, the most important thing to avoid is using a stud finder that is either too sensitive or one that doesn’t have accuracy in telling you what is going on. Some poorer stud finders appear to pick up on an electricity supply no matter where you place the finder, which is just impossible to interpret.

What you need is something that gives you a clear signal when you find something. You don’t want to be in any doubt as to what you have found.

Another thing to avoid is a stud finder whose readings are erratic due to how you move it. Of course, as you move the stud finder, it’s going to give you a different reading, but you don’t want something that is too slow in giving you the results.

a man scanning the thickness of a plywood

You want to use a stud finder that is clear and concise with it, dishing out those readings as soon as you hold the stud finder over any given area. As we have said before, you need to know you can rely on this tool at all times. But basically, there’s not much to worry about when it comes to avoiding certain things with your stud finder. They are simple tools that do an important job, and it’s tough to go wrong with them.

Overall Conclusion

Finding the best stud finder UK companies have to offer is easy, and whether you are searching for electronic stud finders or stud finders that work with magnets, we have something for everyone in our reviews.

However, there’s a reason why we selected the Tavool Tavoolloo as our editor’s choice: it can find find almost anything that is hidden away behind the surface of the wall. As a wall scanner goes, this one far surpasses most stud finders on the market, and the fact it is so accurate is just an added bonus. For us, it’s the best stud detector UK companies can offer.

But the best wall scanner you can buy will always be the one that does the job you want. Whether you want a simple joist finder, or if you need to locate non-ferrous metal behind the wall, or anything else in between, you can rest assured there’s a stud finder for you.

All it takes is some time and effort on your part to go through the different options, and there’s no doubt you will find the right product for your needs.

What do you think about our options? Let us know in the comments below!

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