10 Best Stud Finder For Plaster Walls 2025 in the United States

The Franklin Sensors ProSensor M210 is a reliable stud finder designed to work well on plaster and drywall walls. Its standout feature is the use of 13 sensors, which is more than typical models that usually have 1 or 2. This means it can detect studs more accurately and show both the center and edges of studs at once, which is handy if you need precise placement for hanging items. It can detect up to about 1.5 inches deep, enough for most interior walls. The device automatically adjusts for different wall types and textures, so you don’t have to fuss with calibration or multiple detection modes—just press the button and start scanning.

It also has a live wire detection feature, which adds safety by alerting you to electrical wires behind the wall. The display uses LEDs to clearly indicate stud locations, making it simple to understand even if you’re not experienced with such tools. This stud finder is durable and well-built, and it runs on two standard AA batteries (not included). On the downside, while the M210 is great for common walls with drywall or sheetrock, it might not be suited for very thick or unusually textured plaster walls that exceed its 1.5-inch detection depth.

The device doesn’t offer multiple modes since it’s designed to be straightforward, which is great for ease of use but might limit some specialized scanning options. If you want a stud finder that’s easy to use, accurate, and helps avoid electrical hazards during home projects, the ProSensor M210 is a strong choice.

The Walabot DIY 2 is an advanced stud finder and wall scanner compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones. It employs cutting-edge technology to visually identify the center of wood/metal studs, track pipes, and detect wires, providing a more interactive experience compared to traditional stud finders that rely on sound cues.

One of its standout features is the ability to detect up to 4 inches (10 centimeters) deep within drywall, making it highly effective for most home improvement tasks on this type of wall. The connection to your smartphone via Walabot's internal Wi-Fi ensures that you do not need a residential or office Wi-Fi network for it to function. The device includes one Lithium-Ion battery, and its lightweight design (8.47 ounces) makes it easy to handle.

Despite its advanced features, it may not be suitable for those who need a stud finder for multiple wall types, particularly plaster walls. Therefore, it excels in drywall applications with visual feedback and deep detection capabilities, but its limited compatibility could be a drawback for more diverse home improvement needs.

The PREXISO 2-in-1 Stud Finder with Laser Level offers a handy combination of a stud finder and a laser level in one device, which can be very convenient for DIYers and anyone installing pictures or shelves. It detects wood and metal studs up to about 3/4 inch deep behind drywall and can also sense live AC wires up to 1-1/2 inch deep, which adds a safety feature by alerting you to electrical hazards. The detection is precise thanks to automatic edge marking with a laser line and sound and visual alerts, making it easier to mark stud edges accurately. Calibration is needed before use, which might require a bit of patience but helps improve accuracy.

The sensor uses manual operation and laser indicators rather than touch screens or digital displays, which keeps things simple but means you must carefully follow instructions and manual leveling steps. The laser level isn't self-leveling, so you need to adjust it yourself using the bubble vials; this requires some care to get straight lines, especially if you're not used to manual leveling tools. The device includes a 360° rotating wall mount and adhesive strips for different wall types, but note the adhesive strips don’t work well on dusty, rough, or wallpapered surfaces.

A significant downside is that this stud finder is not designed for plaster or lath walls, which limits its usefulness if you specifically need to work on those surfaces. It performs best on drywall and wood walls. The rechargeable battery is a plus, removing the hassle of replacing batteries frequently. This tool is well suited for general drywall and wood wall projects, offering practical features for home use but is less suitable if your walls are plaster or have unusual surfaces.