# Stud Finder® vs Stud Finder Detector

The clearest difference is ads: Stud Finder® at none against Stud Finder Detector's shown. Stud Finder® also leads on ratings volume (23K vs 720) and device support (3 vs 1). Stud Finder Detector's advantage is review sentiment (33% vs 8%) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 6 weeks). On price, rating, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Stud Finder® sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days and Stud Finder Detector sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.4 for Stud Finder® against 4.4 for Stud Finder Detector. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Stud Finder® has 23K ratings behind it against 720, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 8% of Stud Finder®'s written reviews are positive against 33% of Stud Finder Detector's.

Stud Finder® ships an update every 6 weeks, Stud Finder Detector fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Stud Finder® | Stud Finder Detector |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (23K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stud-finder/id1484289588/reviews) | [4.4 (720 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stud-finder-detector/id6451046029/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **23K** | 720 |
| Positive reviews | 7.9% of reviews | **33.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 15 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Tue Nguyen Minh](https://appshunter.io/developer/434811167) | [KARLIE ALEXIS KOWALSKA](https://appshunter.io/developer/6806982191) |

## What reviewers say

### Stud Finder®

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stud-finder/id1484289588)

This utility app uses your iPhone's magnetometer to detect metal studs behind walls. Simply hold your device near the wall and observe the indicator for changes in the magnetic field. For best results, remove any external case from your phone.

**Highlights:** Detect metal studs, Uses magnetometer, Measures magnetic field, Indicator for metal proximity, Instructions for accuracy

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Stud Finder Pro (Weekly) | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Pro Features | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Accurately detects metal objects
- 💡 Innovative use of phone sensors
- 👍 Helpful for specific use cases

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Aggressive monetization with constant upgrade prompts
- 🐛 Inconsistent and unreliable performance
- 👎 Limited functionality in free version
- 🕰️ Extremely short usage time before lockout

**Reported bugs**

- Fails to detect known metal objects
- Erratic behavior and constant beeping
- Upgrade issues even after purchase

**Requested features**

- Ability to detect wooden studs
- Longer free trial period
- More intuitive user interface


### Stud Finder Detector

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stud-finder-detector/id6451046029)

Easily locate wall studs for home improvement projects. This app uses your iPhone to quickly and accurately detect studs, eliminating guesswork for mounting TVs, shelves, or artwork. It's designed for both DIY enthusiasts and experienced users.

**Highlights:** Instant stud detection, Highly accurate results, Ideal for DIY projects, No extra hardware required, User-friendly interface

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Pro | $14.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Stud Finder® free?

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

### Is Stud Finder Detector free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Stud Finder® or Stud Finder Detector?

Stud Finder® and Stud Finder Detector are both rated 4.4 out of 5 on the App Store, from 23K and 720 ratings respectively.

### Do Stud Finder® or Stud Finder Detector have ads?

Stud Finder Detector shows ads; Stud Finder® does not.

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

Stud Finder® ships an update every 6 weeks, and Stud Finder Detector fortnightly. Most recently, Stud Finder® was updated on September 24, 2026 and Stud Finder Detector on September 19, 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.*