Comparison

Stud Finder vs Magnetometer

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

Head to head
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

About

Magnetometer

This application uses your iPhone's compass to detect electromagnetic interference, helping you find metal objects or magnets. It's designed for fun and experimental purposes, not as a professional tool. Discover hidden metal items or simply explore the magnetic fields around you.

Highlights
  • Detects metal and magnets
  • Uses iPhone's compass
  • Measures EMF interference
  • Fun and experimental use
  • Simple user interface
Read full description

Magnetometer is a fun app for finding metal or magnets by detecting EMF interference with your iPhone's compass heading. Find your keys, or just have fun discovering what could be made of metal. Magnetometer is not meant to replace an actual, professional-grade metal detector. Magnetometer presents simple information to the user about the interference experiences. For more scientific data, please turn to other great apps on the App Store. Magnetometer is made for fun and for experimental purposes and is not designed for scientific use. Also, don't drop your iPhone in sand hoping to find treasure; it's risky.

Screenshots

Stud Finder3 screens
Magnetometer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Stud Finder at Free against Magnetometer's $0.99. Stud Finder also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 34 months) and device support (3 vs 1). Magnetometer's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4). On rating, ratings volume, ads 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

Stud Finder is free to download; Magnetometer costs $0.99 up front. Stud Finder sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per year. Magnetometer asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Stud Finder holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 36 and 13 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Stud Finder ships an update monthly, Magnetometer every 34 months. The most recent releases landed on September 9, 2026 and September 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Stud Finder versus Magnetometer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterStud FinderMagnetometer
PriceFree — better$0.99
Rating4.6 (36 ratings) — better4.4 (13 ratings)
Positive reviews—85.7% of reviews
Number of ratings36 — better13
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 34 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS15.6 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size36 MB2 MB
Age rating+44+
DeveloperSunshine Software LabsBogdan Gavriluta

Customer experience

Stud Finder

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

Magnetometer

All ratings13 ratings
Positive76.9%
Neutral15.4%
Negative7.7%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive85.7%
Neutral14.3%
Negative0.0%

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
None

Magnetometer

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Stud Finder free?
Stud Finder is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Magnetometer free?
Magnetometer costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Stud Finder or Magnetometer?
Stud Finder is rated higher. Stud Finder averages 4.6 out of 5 from 36 ratings, while Magnetometer averages 4.4 from 13 ratings.
Do Stud Finder or Magnetometer have ads?
Neither Stud Finder nor Magnetometer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Stud Finder or Magnetometer?
Stud Finder ships an update monthly, and Magnetometer every 34 months. Most recently, Stud Finder was updated on September 9, 2026 and Magnetometer on September 7, 2026.

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