10 Best Stud Finders UK 2022 | Bosch, StudBuddy and More

The Bosch GMS 120 is simply one of the best stud and cable finders on the market today, capable of detecting magnetic metals that are a staggering 120 mm deep. With a detailed display and three detection settings, this is perfect for any construction site.

A great feature found on the GMS 120 is the marking hole, which allows you to easily and accurately mark the centre of an object without moving the device. The LED ring also operates on a traffic light system, where green is safe, yellow means there is a nearby object, and red means you're directly over an object.

If you're looking for a simple and affordable way to securely hang a cabinet, bike rack, or similarly heavy object, then the StudBuddy is the best way to go. The extra-strong neodymium magnet is practically fool-proof, as it hangs on the wall once a stud has been located, so you'll know exactly where to hammer or drill!

At this price point, this is the cheapest stud finder available. Plus, you won't have to worry about any complicated settings, batteries running low, or technical issues. 

The D-tect 120 from Bosch is much more than a simple stud finder as it uses patented radar technology to detect all kinds of different objects. It can even sense water-filled plastic pipes, various metals, as well as live and non-live cables.

The crystal clear display helps you find the exact centre of each object, allowing you to quickly switch between different wall types at the push of a button. If you're looking to invest in the best of the best, this is the option for you!

The Truvo is a no-nonsense electronic stud finder from Bosch that offers simplicity. Rather than an overly detailed display, it uses the same traffic light system as the GMS 120, accompanied by a beeping sound if it detects a live wire.

It automatically calibrates once the device is placed against a wall, recalibrating when taken off and placed in a new position. If you're looking for a user-friendly electronic stud and cable finder to avoid live wires, this is well worth picking up. 

This pocket-sized, magnetic stud finder from CH Hanson is an incredibly handy device to have in your toolbox. Thanks to the spirit level embedded in the centre, you won't have to worry about missing the mark when you come to hammer in that nail!

if you're planning on working on a ceiling, this makes a great choice as the magnets will keep it stuck in place, leaving you with two free hands to use. Like other magnetic options, this stud finder is always ready to go as it doesn't require batteries!

Just narrowly missing out on our top five is the Universal Detect from Bosch. This stud finder offers a full-colour touchscreen display providing step-by-step instructions and clear details of what has been detected. It also features a marking hole, complete with Bosch's traffic light system.

Thanks to the touchscreen, this stud finder is about as detailed as you can get. Unfortunately, this addition has increased the overall cost of the unit. 

The Magnetic Stud Finder from StudPop is the smallest option on our list, with a diameter of less than 6 cm. Unlike other stud finders, the indicator moves and clicks when a metal fastener is found, so you can be precise by following the little green ball!

While compact and accurate, it's rather expensive for what you get. Not to mention the danger of having something so small is that you could easily lose it. If you have an older metal toolbox, however, and prefer older methods of handiwork, this will be right up your street.

If you're set on an electronic stud finder for use around the home, then this offering from Tavool is a good all round option that's cost-effective. For example, if you're wall mounting a TV and aren't sure about where to drill, this is certainly worth picking up.

As a budget stud finder, it lacks the premium feel of devices from brands like Bosch. It's also worth noting that cheaper tools also tend to be less reliable, although it has a fair share of fans on Amazon.

Unlike many stud finders on the market, the ProSensor 710+ is designed to accurately measure the width of wooden beams and other objects. The strip of LED lights illuminates to indicate the position of hidden objects, allowing you to easily visualise what is on the other side of the wall, thanks to thirteen individual sensors.

While the best on the market for what it does, the lack of a cable finding mode is disappointing, especially when considering how expensive it is! Still, it's a premium specialist device that does exactly what it sets out to do.

The Wall Stud Finder from Ultratool boasts a five-in-one deep detection function to quickly locate wood, metal studs, joists, beams, metal pipes, and live AC wire. While 40 mm isn't the deepest, it's still usually enough to detect through most plasterboard walls, flooring and ceilings.

It's probably no surprise to learn that, as a budget option, there are many reviewers claiming to have experienced issues with reliability and longevity. However, if you need a cheap and cheerful option for a one-off job, this is definitely worth the price of admission.