# Wall Stud Magnetic Detector vs Stud Finder

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Wall Stud Magnetic Detector at 70% against Stud Finder's 0%. Wall Stud Magnetic Detector also leads on ratings volume (649 vs 16) and iOS requirement (12.1 vs 18.0). Stud Finder's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and rating (4.0 vs 3.6). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Wall Stud Magnetic Detector sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Stud Finder sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Stud Finder holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 3.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Wall Stud Magnetic Detector has 649 ratings behind it against 16, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 70% of Wall Stud Magnetic Detector's written reviews are positive against 0% of Stud Finder's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Wall Stud Magnetic Detector ships an update every 5 months, Stud Finder every 10 months. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Wall Stud Magnetic Detector | Stud Finder |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.6 (649 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wall-stud-magnetic-detector/id1388897850/reviews) | **[4.0 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stud-finder-wall-detector/id6744090949/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **649** | 16 |
| Positive reviews | **69.7% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 months** | Every 10 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 126 MB | 16 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.1** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Jorge Gregorio Martin Bello](https://appshunter.io/developer/567988393) | [金红 李](https://appshunter.io/developer/1781133144) |

## What reviewers say

### Wall Stud Magnetic Detector

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wall-stud-magnetic-detector/id1388897850)

This app uses your device's magnetometer to detect metal studs, nails, and screws behind walls. It provides an audible beep and visual indication as you scan, similar to a handheld stud finder. Ideal for DIYers and contractors locating structural elements.

**Highlights:** Detects metal studs, nails, and screws, Uses device's compass (magnetometer) sensor, Active detection beep, Measures magnetic field in uT, Stores detected stud times

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock all features | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Works as expected
- 💡 Helpful for DIY projects
- 🚀 Accurate stud detection

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent ads/pop-ups
- ⏱️ Short trial period
- 🔒 Requires purchase to fully use

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes frequently
- Inconsistent stud detection
- Incompatible with some devices

**Requested features**

- Longer trial period
- Less intrusive ads
- Improved accuracy for metal/wiring detection


### Stud Finder

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stud-finder-wall-detector/id6744090949)

Turn your iPhone into a stud and metal detector. Accurately locate studs, pipes, wiring, and metal objects behind walls with real-time feedback and customizable settings. Perfect for DIY projects and home improvement.

**Highlights:** Professional-grade stud detection, Advanced metal detector functionality, Real-time visual, haptic, and audio feedback, Automatic magnetic field calibration, Customizable sensitivity settings, Offline functionality

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited access | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $24.99 | per year |
| Unlimited access | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Wall Stud Magnetic Detector free?

Wall Stud Magnetic Detector is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Stud Finder free?

Stud Finder is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Wall Stud Magnetic Detector or Stud Finder?

Stud Finder is rated higher. Wall Stud Magnetic Detector averages 3.6 out of 5 from 649 ratings, while Stud Finder averages 4.0 from 16 ratings.

### Do Wall Stud Magnetic Detector or Stud Finder have ads?

Wall Stud Magnetic Detector shows ads; Stud Finder does not.

### Which is updated more often, Wall Stud Magnetic Detector or Stud Finder?

Wall Stud Magnetic Detector ships an update every 5 months, and Stud Finder every 10 months. Most recently, Wall Stud Magnetic Detector was updated on November 2, 2026 and Stud Finder on November 4, 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.*