Comparison

mini Metal Detector vs Stud Finder

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

Head to head
About

mini Metal Detector

Turn your smartphone into a functional metal detector. This app uses your device's magnetometer to identify hidden metal objects with clear visual and audio cues. It offers a user-friendly experience with helpful features like dark mode.

Highlights
  • Precise metal detection
  • Audio feedback
  • Visual indicators
  • Easy to use interface
  • Dark mode support
  • Battery-friendly design
Features
Read full description

Transform your phone into a professional metal detector! Easily detect hidden metals. Features: • Precise metal detection • Audio feedback • Visual indicators • Easy to use • Dark mode support • Battery-friendly design Metal Detector uses your phone's magnetometer sensor to detect metal objects in your surroundings. With both visual and audio feedback, you can easily locate metal objects.

About

Stud Finder

This app detects metal objects by measuring magnetic field strength using your device's sensor. It can help locate hidden wires, pipes, screws, and act as a stud finder. Explore its practical uses or enjoy it for entertainment.

Highlights
  • Magnetic field detection
  • Metal object location
  • Stud finding capability
  • Electrical wiring detection
  • Pipe location
  • Entertainment use cases
Features
Read full description

Stud Finder is a versatile and powerful app designed to detect the presence of metal objects in your environment by measuring magnetic field strength. This essential tool takes advantage of the magnetic sensor built into your mobile device to display the magnetic field levels in microtesla (μT). Under natural conditions, the Earth’s magnetic field averages around 49 μT (microtesla) or 490 milligauss (mG), with 1 μT equaling 10 mG. When metal objects are nearby, the magnetic field readings increase, making Metal Detector useful not only for metal detection but also as a stud finder and more. Key Features: - Magnetic Field Detection: Measures the magnetic field strength in real-time using your device’s magnetic sensor. The tool is ideal for detecting various metal objects such as electrical wiring behind walls or iron pipes buried underground. - Practical Use: Whether you're a professional looking for electrical components, a DIY enthusiast locating metal in walls, or simply seeking fun with a ghost-hunting tool, Metal Detector delivers versatility. - Magnetic Sensor Calibration: The app’s performance is heavily dependent on the magnetic sensor in your phone. External factors like electromagnetic interference from electronics can affect accuracy, but the app will display any significant increases in the magnetic field. - Metal Detection Capabilities: While it can detect common metals, the app has limitations when it comes to detecting precious metals like gold, silver, or pure copper, which are generally not magnetic. However, certain metal alloys and counterfeit metals may be detected. Use Cases: - Locate Hidden Objects: Whether it’s finding screws or nails in walls, locating hidden electrical wires, or even metal debris, Metal Detector is an essential tool for practical use. - Entertainment & Fun: Users can experiment with ghost detection or treasure hunting for entertainment. The app’s functionality can make everyday tasks or exploration fun and engaging. - Stud Finder: Acts as a stud finder by detecting metal objects like nails or screws that are typically used in construction, making it easier to find the exact location of hidden studs. Auto-Renewable Subscription Terms: - The payment will be charged to your Apple ID Account at confirmation of purchase. - The subscription renews automatically unless the auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current billing period. - Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours before the end of your selected subscription. - Your subscriptions can be managed, and auto-renewal can be turned off by going to your App Store Account Settings. Terms: https://sunshine-dev.com/?page_id=98

Screenshots

mini Metal Detector2 screens
Stud Finder3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: mini Metal Detector at none against Stud Finder's 4. mini Metal Detector also leads on ratings volume (131 vs 36). Stud Finder's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (monthly vs every 15 months). On price, device support and iOS requirement 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. Stud Finder sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per year. mini Metal Detector asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Stud Finder holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 131 and 36 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

mini Metal Detector ships an update every 15 months, Stud Finder monthly. The most recent releases landed on August 17, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
mini Metal Detector versus Stud Finder: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parametermini Metal DetectorStud Finder
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.2 (131 ratings)4.6 (36 ratings) — better
Positive reviews73.6% of reviews—
Number of ratings131 — better36
Update frequencyEvery 15 monthsMonthly — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationAd-supported — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS15.0 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size7 MB36 MB
Age rating4++4
DeveloperMert TUZERSunshine Software Labs

Customer experience

mini Metal Detector

All ratings131 ratings
Positive77.9%
Neutral3.8%
Negative18.3%
Written reviews87 reviews
Positive73.6%
Neutral5.7%
Negative20.7%

Stud Finder

All ratings36 ratings
Positive88.9%
Neutral2.8%
Negative8.3%

Bugs and requests

mini Metal Detector

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Does not detect metal reliably
  • Detects magnets instead of general metals
  • False positives on air and pillows
  • Inconsistent response to metal objects
  • App functionality unclear without instructions

Requested features

4 requests
  • Softer or customizable alert sounds
  • Clear user instructions/tutorial
  • Better documentation on functionality
  • Improved metal detection sensitivity settings

Stud Finder

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

mini Metal Detector

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

Stud Finder

Subscriptions4
  • Get Premium Yearly Limited$9.991 Year
  • 3 Days Free Trial Weekly VIP3 Days trial$9.997 Days
  • 3 Day Free Trial then Get Premium3 Days trial$19.991 Month
Show 1 more
  • Annual VIP$49.991 Year

Questions

Is mini Metal Detector free?
mini Metal Detector is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Stud Finder free?
Stud Finder is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, mini Metal Detector or Stud Finder?
Stud Finder is rated higher. mini Metal Detector averages 4.2 out of 5 from 131 ratings, while Stud Finder averages 4.6 from 36 ratings.
Do mini Metal Detector or Stud Finder have ads?
mini Metal Detector shows ads; Stud Finder does not.
Which is updated more often, mini Metal Detector or Stud Finder?
mini Metal Detector ships an update every 15 months, and Stud Finder monthly. Most recently, mini Metal Detector was updated on August 17, 2026 and Stud Finder on September 9, 2026.

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