# Physics Toolbox Magnetometer vs phyphox

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: phyphox at none against Physics Toolbox Magnetometer's 1. phyphox also leads on ratings volume (276 vs 7) and update cadence (every 3 months vs every 13 months). Physics Toolbox Magnetometer's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.6). On price, review sentiment, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Physics Toolbox Magnetometer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. phyphox asks for nothing beyond the download.

Physics Toolbox Magnetometer holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: phyphox has 276 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of Physics Toolbox Magnetometer's written reviews are positive against 79% of phyphox's.

Physics Toolbox Magnetometer ships an update every 13 months, phyphox every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Physics Toolbox Magnetometer | phyphox |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/physics-toolbox-magnetometer/id1003749103/reviews)** | [4.6 (276 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phyphox/id1127319693/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 7 | **276** |
| Positive reviews | **80.0% of reviews** | 78.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 13 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 17 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.1 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Chrystian Vieyra](https://appshunter.io/developer/998187453) | [RWTH Aachen University](https://appshunter.io/developer/371466796) |

## What reviewers say

### Physics Toolbox Magnetometer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/physics-toolbox-magnetometer/id1003749103)

This app transforms your iPhone into a precise scientific instrument for measuring, visualizing, and recording magnetic fields. Explore magnetic field vectors, magnitudes, and compass headings with real-time charts and digital readouts. Ideal for educational experiments, lab work, or curious exploration.

**Highlights:** Real-time magnetic field vector and magnitude display, Chart, digital, and compass viewing modes, Data recording and CSV export, Adjustable sample rate (1-100 Hz), Signal filters for noise reduction, Detection of permanent and electromagnetic fields

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Upgrade | $2.99 | one-time |


### phyphox

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phyphox/id1127319693)

Unlock your phone's sensors for scientific exploration. Conduct pre-built experiments or create your own using accelerometers, magnetometers, and more. Analyze and export data in various formats for further study.

**Highlights:** Pre-defined experiments, Data export (CSV, TSV, Excel), Web-based remote control, Custom experiment editor, Access to phone sensors, Advanced analysis functions

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Access to phone sensors
- 🔬 Useful for physics experiments
- 📊 Data logging and export
- 🆓 Free and no ads
- 🤔 Sparks curiosity

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and crashes
- 📉 Inconsistent performance
- 🔒 App locks/minimizes recording
- ❓ Units not always clear
- ⚠️ Potential for device damage

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on older devices
- Barometer not working on iOS 17.4
- Network error: Generic error
- Sound measurement curve disappears
- App crashes frequently

**Requested features**

- Add infrasound detector
- More units of measurement (G-force, PSI, feet)
- NFC/RFID support
- In-app bug report feature
- Allow other sensors via USB-C


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Physics Toolbox Magnetometer free?

Physics Toolbox Magnetometer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is phyphox free?

phyphox is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Physics Toolbox Magnetometer or phyphox?

Physics Toolbox Magnetometer is rated higher. Physics Toolbox Magnetometer averages 5.0 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while phyphox averages 4.6 from 276 ratings.

### Do Physics Toolbox Magnetometer or phyphox have ads?

Neither Physics Toolbox Magnetometer nor phyphox shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Physics Toolbox Magnetometer or phyphox?

Physics Toolbox Magnetometer ships an update every 13 months, and phyphox every 3 months. Most recently, Physics Toolbox Magnetometer was updated on September 23, 2026 and phyphox on October 1, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*