Franklin Sensors ProSensor MAX Stud Finder, 13-Sensor Wall Scanner, Detects Through Plaster, OSB & Lath, Made in the USA
Franklin Sensors · 3 more picks →
Best for
Best for deep walls
Amazon rating
Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score
Based on 2 trusted sources
Current price
$119.00
Updated Jun 27, 2026 · 1 min read
Sources behind this verdict
10 reviewers weighted by source trust
The consensus
What reviewers found
Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.
The ProSensor MAX is Franklin's flagship for difficult walls, advertising detection up to about 2.5 inches and 35 LEDs across the full width. Reviewers who deal with plaster, OSB, lath, or layered assemblies point to it specifically: an r/Tools commenter notes the Franklin "works just fine" finding studs in walls that defeat lesser tools, and community comparisons pit it against the Bosch D-TECT120 for tile-wall scanning. The 4.6 Amazon average across ~522 reviews backs the depth claim.
What reviewers liked
- Deepest rated detection (~2.5 in) for plaster, OSB and layered walls
- 35-LED full-width display with center finder and level
- 4.6 Amazon average and made-in-USA build
- Community-validated on tile-over-drywall
Where it falls short
- By far the most expensive pick at $119
- r/Tools user reported inconsistent reads
- Overkill for standard single-drywall walls
- Large and battery-dependent
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The ProSensor MAX is Franklin's flagship for difficult walls, advertising detection up to about 2.5 inches and 35 LEDs across the full width. Reviewers who deal with plaster, OSB, lath, or layered assemblies point to it specifically: an r/Tools commenter notes the Franklin "works just fine" finding studs in walls that defeat lesser tools, and community comparisons pit it against the Bosch D-TECT120 for tile-wall scanning. The 4.6 Amazon average across ~522 reviews backs the depth claim.
The disagreements are about value and consistency. The same high-trust r/Tools thread that praises Franklin also reports an instance of bad reads, and at $119 it's by far the priciest pick here, which several discussions question for everyday use. The synthesis: if you routinely work on thick or layered walls, reviewers consider it the strongest electronic option; for plain single-drywall jobs, cheaper Franklins or a magnet do the same work.
- Accurate
- More sensors = More accuracy. Conventional stud finders have 1 or 2 sensors. The ProSensor MAX had 13, making it the most accurate stud sensing tool on the market. The ProSensor MAX has a max detection depth of 2 1/2" for thick walls. The precision LEDs track the location of studs while displaying the center and edges simultaneously.
- Easy
- No calibration required. Just place the ProSensor MAX against the wall and press and hold the button to begin scanning. Unlike other stud sensors that give false readings, the ProSensor MAX allows you to start scanning anywhere, even over a stud.
- Two Detection Modes
- In mode 1, the ProSensor MAX operates as a normal stud finder. In Mode 2, the ProSensor MAX detects studs through two or more layers of drywall (common in condos, townhomes, and home theaters), a single layer of sheetrock plus a layer of OSB or plywood (common in earthquake-resistant walls), plywood and MDF surfaces, lath and plaster (common in homes built prior to 1960), and large tile.
- Displays Full Width Of Studs
- See more than just a point on the wall. The ProSensor MAX’s wide LED display shows the center and edges of studs simultaneously for single studs, double studs, and irregular configurations that other stud finders cannot detect.
- Durable
- Ideal for professionals and projects around the house, the ProSensor MAX is both accurate and durable.
- Convenient Extras
- Built-In Bubble Level, Low Battery Indicator, and Handy Pencil Caddy. Requires two AA batteries (not included).
It definitely has more sensors than anything else on the market and I like that it does guide you a little bit, but it was giving me bad ...
Franklin Sensors makes wide stud finders with 13 sensors and 13 LEDs, they are much better than your typical hardware store junk stud finder.
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“Is $120 stud finder worth it? Franklin Sensors ProSensor ...” · YouTube
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