Best magnetic security tag detachers

Top pick: the 12000GS rare-earth magnetic detacher. It has the strongest pull of the handheld units here, so it releases stubborn hard tags and lock heads in one press, and its compact puck shape sits well in a pocket or on a counter.

Who the others suit:

• 10000 Gs high-performance detacher — the safer everyday choice for a small shop: plenty of force for standard hard tags, in a sturdier housing.
• Sensormatic and Checkpoint magnetic detachers — buy these if your tags are from those systems and you want a known-compatible unit.
• Superlock and standard tabletop detachers — for a fixed checkout station, mounted flush to the counter so staff detach hands-free.
• Hand hook detacher — for spider wraps and display hooks rather than hard tags.
• Golf tag detacher — only for golf-style tags; its single review is poor, so treat it as a last resort.

Match the detacher to your tag brand and strength: a weak magnet won't release a high-security tag, and an over-strong one can be awkward on delicate goods.