Comparison

Metal Detector EMF vs Magnetic Sensor

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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.

About

Magnetic Sensor

Features
Read full description

Magnetic Sensor turns your phone's built-in magnetometer into three precise tools: • Compass — A live, tilt-compensated compass with cardinal direction (N/E/S/W) and adjustable magnetic declination so the needle points to true north, not just magnetic north. • Metal Detector — Set a baseline reading anywhere, choose Low/Med/High sensitivity, and feel haptic pulses that get stronger as the field deviates. Perfect for finding studs in a wall, screws under drywall, or rebar in concrete. • Field Logger — Record samples at up to 60 Hz, then export to CSV via the share sheet. Saved recordings stay in the app for replay or re-export. KEY FEATURES • Live X / Y / Z axis readings + total field magnitude • Tilt-compensated heading using the accelerometer • Magnitude history sparkline + multi-channel chart • Rolling statistics: mean, standard deviation, RMS, range • Figure-8 calibration helper with quality indicator • Min / Max tracking with one-tap reset • Three sample rates: Slow (500 ms), Normal (100 ms), Fast (16 ms) • Light / Dark / System theme • English and Korean • Unit options: μT, mGauss, nT • Adjustable smoothing • Magnetic declination presets • Haptic alerts for the detector • Keep-screen-awake while recording • CSV export with full timestamp + per-axis data PRIVACY All sensor data is processed on-device and never leaves your phone. The app does not collect location, contacts, or personal information. Anonymous mobile advertising is used to keep the app free; you can watch a rewarded ad to unlock unlimited CSV sharing for the session. WHO IT'S FOR • Hobbyists exploring magnetic fields • DIYers detecting screws, studs, and rebar • Students collecting data for physics or geology projects • Hikers wanting a reliable phone compass • Anyone curious about the invisible field around them REQUIREMENTS A device with a magnetometer (most phones built since ~2013). The app cannot work on devices without one — it will tell you on launch.

Screenshots

Metal Detector EMF4 screens
Magnetic Sensor4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Magnetic Sensor at none against Metal Detector EMF's 1. Magnetic Sensor also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 9 months). Metal Detector EMF's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.1). On price and device support 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Metal Detector EMF sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Magnetic Sensor asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Metal Detector EMF ships an update every 9 months, Magnetic Sensor fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Metal Detector EMF versus Magnetic Sensor: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMetal Detector EMFMagnetic Sensor
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (2.5K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews68.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings2.5K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 9 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size11 MB25 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperExaMobile S.A.Seonggon Sim

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

Magnetic Sensor

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Metal Detector EMF

One-time1
  • AdBlock - Remove ads$1.99
None

Magnetic Sensor

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Metal Detector EMF free?
Metal Detector EMF is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Magnetic Sensor free?
Magnetic Sensor is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Metal Detector EMF or Magnetic Sensor have ads?
Magnetic Sensor shows ads; Metal Detector EMF does not.
Which is updated more often, Metal Detector EMF or Magnetic Sensor?
Metal Detector EMF ships an update every 9 months, and Magnetic Sensor fortnightly. Most recently, Metal Detector EMF was updated on November 2, 2026 and Magnetic Sensor on October 31, 2026.

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