Magnetometers based on double relaxation oscillation superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) (DROSs) have been fabricated and characterized. The DROSs are based on 2×2 &mgr;m2Nb/AlOxtunnel junctions and have a 25 turn, tightly coupled input coil. The high flux‐to‐voltage transfer coefficient of 1–2 mV/&fgr;0facilitates direct voltage readout by a low‐noise dc amplifier. The pickup coil consists of a thin‐film Nb gradiometer with a baseline of 40 mm and an inductance of 110 nH. The white field noise of the magnetometer was better than 5 ft/&sqrt;Hz, which is sufficient for magnetoencephalography measurements. ©1995 American Institute of Physics.