Comparison

Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite vs Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder

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

Head to head
About

Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite

This app turns your smartphone into a scientific instrument suite, enabling measurement, recording, analysis, and export of real-time sensor data. It offers tools for kinematics, acoustics, light, magnetism, and more, suitable for students, educators, researchers, and hobbyists.

Highlights
  • Real-time sensor data measurement
  • Data recording and analysis
  • Data export functionality
  • Kinematics tools (accelerometer, gyroscope)
  • Acoustics tools (sound meter, oscilloscope)
  • Magnetism tools (compass, magnetometer)
  • AR visualization for magnetic fields and measurements
Features
Read full description

Whether you’re a student, educator, researcher, or hobbyist, Physics Toolbox transforms your smartphone’s built-in sensors into a powerful suite of scientific instruments. Easily measure, record, analyze, and export real-time data for a variety of uses—from classroom experiments to cutting-edge research. KINEMATICS G-Force Meter Linear Accelerometer Gyroscope Inclinometer Motion Visualizer (LiDAR-tracked position and velocity) ACOUSTICS Sound Meter Tone Detector Tone Generator Oscilloscope Spectrum Analyzer Spectrogram LIGHT Light Meter Color Detector Proximeter Stroboscope MAGNETISM Compass Magnetometer Magna-AR (AR visualization of magnetic field vectors) OTHER Barometer GPS - latitude, longitude, altitude, speed, direction, number of satellites Ruler-AR (AR-estimated measurements) COMBINATION Multi Record Roller Coaster GAME Play (data-verified challenges)

About

Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder

This app uses your device's magnetometer to detect magnetic and electromagnetic fields. It helps locate metal objects, hidden wires, pipes, and even wood studs behind walls. Get real-time readings and alerts to explore your surroundings.

Highlights
  • Detects magnetic and EMF fields
  • Locates metal objects, wires, and pipes
  • Finds hidden wood studs behind walls
  • Real-time magnetic field intensity readings (μT & mG)
  • Active detection beep alerts
  • Automatic storage of time and measurements
Features
Read full description

Turn your iPhone into a powerful Magnetic Detector and Metal Detector. Detect nearby magnetic fields, find hidden metal screws and nails, scan walls for magnetic objects, and measure EMF magnetic field activity in real time using your device's built-in magnetometer. Whether you're searching for metal fasteners behind walls, exploring magnetic sources, or measuring magnetic field strength, Magnetic Detector makes it easy to visualize changes in your surroundings. Magnetic Detector is handy for comparing readings around appliances, walls, and everyday objects. When used as a Metal Detector, it can help you spot nearby iron or steel items by showing changes in the magnetic field. FIND HIDDEN METAL OBJECTS Use your iPhone as a magnetic metal detector to help locate ferromagnetic objects such as iron and steel screws, nails, certain pipes, metal fittings, and other magnetic materials. Move your device slowly along walls or plasterboard to detect magnetic disturbances. Metal fasteners may help indicate the location of hidden wall studs. DETECT & MEASURE MAGNETIC FIELDS Transform your device into a real-time EMF magnetic field meter. Monitor magnetic field intensity with an intuitive digital gauge and observe how measurements change as you approach magnetic objects. The app displays magnetic field strength in: - μT (microtesla) - mG (milligauss) Earth's magnetic field is typically 25–65 μT. 1 μT equals 10 mG. POWERFUL DETECTION FEATURES - Real-time magnetic field and EMF magnetic field measurements. - Magnetic metal detection using your device's built-in magnetometer. - Interactive gauge displaying magnetic field intensity. - Audible warning when the magnetic field exceeds the configured threshold. - Automatic recording of measurements and timestamps. - Three-axis magnetic field readings (Bx, By, Bz). - 3D visualization of magnetic field measurements. - Room scanning to explore magnetic hotspots. - Support for microtesla and milligauss measurements. USE YOUR IPHONE AS A STUD FINDER Searching for hidden screws or nails in a wall? Magnetic Detector can help identify nearby ferromagnetic fasteners that may indicate the position of wooden studs or metal structures. IDEAL FOR DIY, EDUCATION & EXPLORATION Magnetic Detector can be useful for: - DIY enthusiasts and handymen exploring walls for magnetic fasteners. - Students conducting physics experiments and school projects. - Teachers demonstrating magnetic field behavior. - Engineers and technology enthusiasts studying magnetic measurements. - Anyone curious about magnetic activity around electronic devices, speakers, magnets, and other objects. HOW DOES IT WORK? The app uses the magnetometer integrated into your iPhone to measure nearby magnetic field strength. Ferromagnetic objects can produce or disturb local magnetic fields. As you move your device closer to these objects, the magnetic field readings may change, helping you identify potential magnetic sources. Tip: Shake your device to help recalibrate the magnetic sensor. Keep your phone away from magnetic accessories that could interfere with measurements. IMPORTANT INFORMATION Magnetic Detector is designed for personal, educational, and entertainment purposes. It is not a replacement for professional metal detectors, stud finders, electrical wire detectors, or safety equipment. Detection is primarily limited to nearby magnetic and ferromagnetic materials. The app cannot directly detect wooden studs, non-magnetic metals such as copper or aluminum, or reliably identify electrical wiring. Always verify wall conditions with appropriate professional tools before drilling. Accuracy depends on your device, distance, and magnetic interference. If you experience any issues or have suggestions, please contact us and include your device model and iOS version. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite4 screens
Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite at none against Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder's shown. Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months) and ratings volume (1.8K vs 443). Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder's advantage is review sentiment (90% vs 81%) and device support (4 vs 2). On price, rating, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite against 4.6 for Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.8K and 443 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 81% of Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite's written reviews are positive against 90% of Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite ships an update weekly, Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder every 2 months. Both last shipped on October 29, 2026.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite versus Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPhysics Toolbox Sensor SuiteMagnetic Detector, Stud Finder
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (1.8K ratings) — better4.6 (443 ratings)
Positive reviews80.8% of reviews90.2% of reviews — better
Number of ratings1.8K — better443
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS16.015.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size79 MB30 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperChrystian VieyraJose Bello

Customer experience

Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite

All ratings1,819 ratings
Positive93.8%
Neutral2.9%
Negative3.4%
Written reviews125 reviews
Positive80.8%
Neutral8.0%
Negative11.2%

Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder

All ratings443 ratings
Positive91.9%
Neutral2.5%
Negative5.6%
Written reviews356 reviews
Positive90.2%
Neutral3.7%
Negative6.2%

Bugs and requests

Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Readings sometimes inconsistent or stop at certain thresholds
  • Compatibility issues with some devices

Requested features

3 requests
  • Add support for measuring electric fields
  • Improve accuracy and sensitivity
  • Provide more detailed readings and analysis

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite

One-time1
  • Upgrade to Pro$5.99
4 purchases

Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder

Subscriptions1
  • Weekly Full Access$4.997 Days
One-time3
  • Remove Ads - Magnetic Detector$2.99
  • Unlock all - Premium & Warning Beep$4.99
  • Lifetime Full Access$12.99

Questions

Is Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite free?
Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder free?
Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite or Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder?
Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite is rated higher. Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.8K ratings, while Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder averages 4.6 from 443 ratings.
Do Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite or Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder have ads?
Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder shows ads; Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite does not.
Which is updated more often, Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite or Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder?
Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite ships an update weekly, and Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder every 2 months. Most recently, Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite was updated on October 29, 2026 and Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder on October 29, 2026.

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