Metal Detector EMF vs Stud Finder®
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Metal Detector EMF
This application uses your smartphone's magnetic sensor to detect nearby metal objects. It can help you find hidden metallic items, act as a treasure hunting tool, or even assist in ghost hunting by visualizing magnetic field trends. Requires a device with a magnetic sensor to function.
- Detects nearby metal
- Measures magnetic field
- Finds hidden metallic objects
- Acts as a treasure hunter tool
- Assists ghost hunters
- Visualizes reading trends with a graph
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Metal Detector EMF detects the presence of metal nearby. Metal detectors measure magnetic field value using a magnetic sensor that is built into your smartphone. Now You can easily find metallic objects that are hidden underground, behind walls etc. , or be a treasure hunter or ghost hunters, also see a reading trend through the graph. Simple app in your device called Gauss Meter are used for measuring the Earth's magnetic field but can't detect silver, gold, copper coins (non-ferrous - no magnetic field). This Magnetometer app require a magnetic sensor otherwise does not work.
Stud Finder®
This utility app uses your iPhone's magnetometer to detect metal studs behind walls. Simply hold your device near the wall and observe the indicator for changes in the magnetic field. For best results, remove any external case from your phone.
- Detect metal studs
- Uses magnetometer
- Measures magnetic field
- Indicator for metal proximity
- Instructions for accuracy
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Find the right spot. Mount with confidence. Turn your iPhone into a handy magnetic stud finder. Use your device’s built-in magnetic sensor to locate magnetic changes that may indicate screws, nails, or other ferrous metal behind a wall. Follow the needle, watch the live graph, and hear stronger signals as you scan. Try Pro with a 3-day free trial on the Weekly plan for eligible new subscribers. FEATURES • Unlimited Scanning (Pro Required) Scan without measurement time limits or interruptions. • Live Signal Gauge & Graph (Pro Required) See magnetic changes through a responsive needle and a live graph with X, Y, and Z readings. • Adjustable Sensitivity (Pro Required for Scanning) Fine-tune the detector’s response to suit your surroundings. • Sound & Haptic Detection (Pro Required) Keep your attention on the wall. Faster beeps and firmer haptic feedback help you follow stronger signals. Turn both off whenever you prefer. • Simple, Illustrated Instructions Learn how to prepare the sensor, scan steadily, and look for signal peaks with a three-step guide. • Flexible Viewing (Pro Required for Scanning) Scan in portrait or landscape, with layouts adapted for iPhone and iPad. START WITH A FREE TRIAL Explore Pro with a 3-day free trial on the Weekly subscription, subject to eligibility. Weekly and Yearly plans are available. Pricing and trial availability are shown before purchase. Subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled before renewal through your App Store account settings. PLEASE NOTE Stud Finder detects magnetic field changes; it does not directly detect wood. Results depend on your device, distance, metal type, and nearby magnetic interference. Terms Of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: Metal Detector EMF at 68% against Stud Finder®'s 8%. Metal Detector EMF also leads on rating (4.6 vs 4.4) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.1). Stud Finder®'s advantage is update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 9 months) and ratings volume (23K vs 2.5K). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Metal Detector EMF sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Stud Finder® sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Metal Detector EMF holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Stud Finder® has 23K ratings behind it against 2.5K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 68% of Metal Detector EMF's written reviews are positive against 8% of Stud Finder®'s.
Metal Detector EMF ships an update every 9 months, Stud Finder® every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 8, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Metal Detector EMF | Stud Finder® |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.6 (2.5K ratings) — better | 4.4 (23K ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 68.4% of reviews — better | 7.8% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 2.5K | 23K — better |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | Every 5 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 15.1 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 11 MB | 24 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | ExaMobile S.A. | Tue Nguyen Minh |
Customer experience
Metal Detector EMF
Stud Finder®
User reviews
Metal Detector EMF
From 2.5K App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🚀 Works great
- 👍 Surprisingly accurate
- 🔍 Helpful for finding lost items
- 💡 Innovative use of phone sensors
- 🔍 Useful for locating property markers
Room to improve
- 🐛 Inconsistent performance
- 🔍 Limited detection range
- 🔍 Only detects magnetic metals
- 🔋 Drains battery quickly
Stud Finder®
From 23K App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🚀 Accurately detects metal objects
- 💡 Innovative use of phone sensors
- 👍 Helpful for specific use cases
Room to improve
- 🔒 Aggressive monetization with constant upgrade prompts
- 🐛 Inconsistent and unreliable performance
- 👎 Limited functionality in free version
- 🕰️ Extremely short usage time before lockout
Bugs and requests
Metal Detector EMF
Reported bugs
3 issues- Settings page not functioning
- App crashes on some devices
- Inaccurate readings in certain situations
Requested features
4 requests- Ability to detect non-magnetic metals
- Improved sensitivity and detection range
- Option to calibrate the sensor
- Metal identification feature
Stud Finder®
Reported bugs
3 issues- Fails to detect known metal objects
- Erratic behavior and constant beeping
- Upgrade issues even after purchase
Requested features
3 requests- Ability to detect wooden studs
- Longer free trial period
- More intuitive user interface
In-app purchases
Metal Detector EMF
- AdBlock - Remove ads$1.99
Stud Finder®
- Stud Finder Pro (Weekly)3 Days trial$1.997 Days
- Stud Finder Pro (Yearly)$9.991 Year
- Pro Features$1.99
Questions
Is Metal Detector EMF free?
Is Stud Finder® free?
Which has better reviews, Metal Detector EMF or Stud Finder®?
Do Metal Detector EMF or Stud Finder® have ads?
Which is updated more often, Metal Detector EMF or Stud Finder®?
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