# mini Metal Detector vs Stud Finder

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | mini Metal Detector | Stud Finder |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (131 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mini-metal-detector/id1114381920/reviews) | **[4.6 (36 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stud-finder-device-detector/id1624934793/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **131** | 36 |
| Positive reviews | 73.6% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 15 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 7 MB | 36 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | +4 |
| Developer | [Mert TUZER](https://appshunter.io/developer/1111162127) | [Sunshine Software Labs](https://appshunter.io/developer/1788219451) |

## What reviewers say

### mini Metal Detector

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mini-metal-detector/id1114381920)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ✅ Functional metal detection capability
- 👍 Simple and effective design
- 🎯 Successfully detects metal objects
- 📱 Works as advertised for basic use
- 🔊 Audible alerts for detection

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent detection accuracy
- ❌ Fails to detect metal in some cases
- 🔊 Annoying beeping tone
- 🎯 Detects magnets instead of all metals
- ❓ Lacks user instructions

**Reported bugs**

- 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**

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


### Stud Finder

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stud-finder-device-detector/id1624934793)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Get Premium Yearly Limited | $9.99 | per year |
| 3 Days Free Trial Weekly VIP | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| 3 Day Free Trial then Get Premium | $19.99 | per month |
| Annual VIP | $49.99 | per year |


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