8 Reliable Stud Finders for Drywall That Won’t Let You Down in 2025

Finding a stud behind drywall sounds simple—until you try it. Drywall can hide nails, wiring, pipes, or just confuse basic sensors, leaving you frustrated and with unnecessary holes in the wall. That’s why a dependable stud finder is a must for anyone hanging TVs, cabinets, shelves, or even a simple picture frame.

To make your search easier, here are eight stud finders that actually work on drywall and don’t leave you guessing.

The Best Stud Finders for Drywall

1. Franklin Sensors ProSensor 710+

• Why it’s great: This model uses 13 sensors at once, lighting up to show the full width of a stud. Fast, accurate, and excellent for tricky drywall.
  
  

• Downside: A bit pricey, and it doesn’t detect wires or pipes.
  
  

2. Zircon StudSensor e50

• Why it’s great: Affordable and user-friendly, with two modes for shallow and deep scanning.
  
  

• Downside: Needs calibration and won’t show the exact center of the stud.
  
  

3. CH Hanson Magnetic Stud Finder

• Why it’s great: Battery-free and highly durable. Its rare-earth magnets latch onto nails or screws in studs.
  
  

• Downside: Works slowly and can’t detect wiring or pipes.
  
  

4. Tavool 5-in-1 Stud Finder

• Why it’s great: A versatile tool with settings for wood, metal, deep scan, and live wire detection. Includes an LCD display for clarity.
  
  

• Downside: Accuracy depends on keeping it perfectly flat against the wall.
  
  

5. Zircon Multiscanner A250c

• Why it’s great: Detects stud centers, wiring, and metal, making it reliable for tougher jobs or thicker walls.
  
  

• Downside: More expensive and has a slight learning curve.
  
  

6. Bosch GMS120 Digital Wall Scanner

• Why it’s great: Professional-grade accuracy across drywall, tile, and even concrete. Detects multiple materials, including wires.
  
  

• Downside: Expensive and more advanced than most casual DIYers need.
  
  

7. Walabot DIY 2 Wall Scanner

• Why it’s great: Connects to your smartphone and shows a live map of what’s inside your walls—studs, pipes, wires, and more.
  
  

• Downside: Premium price and requires a compatible phone.
  
  

8. Craftsman CMHT77633

• Why it’s great: Simple, budget-friendly, and reliable for occasional projects on standard drywall.
  
  

• Downside: Limited to edge detection, with no wire or center scanning.
  
  

How to Pick the Right Stud Finder

• For heavy loads (TVs, cabinets): Choose one with center detection and deep scanning.
  
  

• For simple tasks (small frames, shelves): A basic magnetic or electronic edge detector is enough.
  
  

• For safety: Get a model with live wire and metal detection if you’re working near outlets or plumbing.
  
  

• For convenience: Larger sensor arrays (like Franklin ProSensor) save time and improve accuracy.
  
  

Final Word

A stud finder doesn’t just make hanging items easier—it saves you from costly mistakes like hitting pipes or drilling endless holes. For most households, the Franklin ProSensor 710+ is a top choice for speed and accuracy. But if you’re budget-conscious, the Zircon e50 or CH Hanson magnetic model can handle everyday jobs well.