# Physics Toolbox Magnetometer vs Gold Detector

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Physics Toolbox Magnetometer at 80% against Gold Detector's 0%. Physics Toolbox Magnetometer also leads on monetization model (free vs freemium) and rating (5.0 vs 4.7). Gold Detector's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 13 months) and ratings volume (106 vs 8). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Physics Toolbox Magnetometer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Gold Detector sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Physics Toolbox Magnetometer holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Gold Detector has 106 ratings behind it against 8, 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 0% of Gold Detector's.

Physics Toolbox Magnetometer ships an update every 13 months, Gold Detector monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Physics Toolbox Magnetometer | Gold Detector |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/physics-toolbox-magnetometer/id1003749103/reviews)** | [4.7 (106 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gold-detector-altinos/id6752399094/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 8 | **106** |
| Positive reviews | **80.0% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 13 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 17 MB | 36 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.1 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Chrystian Vieyra](https://appshunter.io/developer/998187453) | [UMUT ARPAT](https://appshunter.io/developer/1718402578) |

## 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 |


### Gold Detector

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gold-detector-altinos/id6752399094)

This app helps you determine the authenticity of gold items using your phone's camera or magnetic sensor. It provides detailed analysis of the gold's realness, type, and composition, and allows you to save your scan history.

**Highlights:** Scan gold with camera, Analyze with magnetic sensor, Detailed authenticity results, Identify gold type, Save scan history, Pro plan for advanced features

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Lifetime | $39.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Physics Toolbox Magnetometer free?

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

### Is Gold Detector free?

Gold Detector is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Physics Toolbox Magnetometer or Gold Detector?

Physics Toolbox Magnetometer is rated higher. Physics Toolbox Magnetometer averages 5.0 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while Gold Detector averages 4.7 from 106 ratings.

### Do Physics Toolbox Magnetometer or Gold Detector have ads?

Neither Physics Toolbox Magnetometer nor Gold Detector shows ads.

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

Physics Toolbox Magnetometer ships an update every 13 months, and Gold Detector monthly. Most recently, Physics Toolbox Magnetometer was updated on October 24, 2026 and Gold Detector on October 30, 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.*