This paper presents a remote field eddy current probe that includes a giant magneto-resistance (GMR) as magnetic sensor in order to detect longitudinal and circumferential defects in stainless steel tubes. The high sensitivity of the GMR sensor in a large frequency range (0 Hz – 1 MHz) makes it a prime candidate to analyze several defects in tubing by a remote field testing method. Experimental data was initially acquired to observe the sensitivity of the GMR along a tube to help the dimensioning of a new probe. Experimental data was used to confirm the capability of the new probe in defect detection using the remote field testing method. Finally, simulations were also made in order to verify the veracity of the obtained experimental results.