Magnetometer vs Stud Finder
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- Detects metal and magnets
- Uses iPhone's compass
- Measures EMF interference
- Fun and experimental use
- Simple user interface
Read full descriptionHide 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.
Stud Finder
Easily detect metal objects like nails, screws, and wiring hidden within walls. Simply hold your phone against the surface and move it; the app will alert you with a beep and a visual indicator when metal is detected.
- Detects metal in walls
- Finds nails, screws, wiring
- Audible beep alert
- Visual indicator
- Easy to use
Read full descriptionHide full description
Stud Finder - Metal Detector The app is used to find metal elements in the wall: nails, screws, wiring, etc. How it works: 1. Turn on the app 2. Place the back of your phone against a wall 3. Start moving the phone along the wall 4. If there is metal in the wall, you will hear a beep and the indicator on the phone will turn red It is important to know that the application may not work with older phone models Terms of use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula
Screenshots
Verdict
Magnetometer and Stud Finder both sit at 4.4 stars, but that hides the real split: 86% of Magnetometer's written reviews are positive against 37% of Stud Finder's. Magnetometer also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 6) and ads (none vs shown). Stud Finder's advantage is price (Free vs $0.99) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 34 months). On rating 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
Stud Finder is free to download; Magnetometer costs $0.99 up front. Stud Finder sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Magnetometer asks for nothing beyond the download.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.4 for Magnetometer against 4.4 for Stud Finder. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Stud Finder has 511 ratings behind it against 13, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 86% of Magnetometer's written reviews are positive against 37% of Stud Finder's.
Magnetometer ships an update every 34 months, Stud Finder every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 27, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Magnetometer | Stud Finder |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $0.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.4 (13 ratings) | 4.4 (511 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 85.7% of reviews — better | 37.2% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 13 | 511 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 34 months | Every 2 months — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid | Free with in-app purchases — better |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 13.4 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 2 MB | 24 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Bogdan Gavriluta | Andrei Nemtsou |
Customer experience
Magnetometer
Stud Finder
Bugs and requests
Magnetometer
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
Stud Finder
Reported bugs
9 issues- Doesn't work on iPhone 15
- Doesn't work on iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Doesn't work on iPhone 16
- App shows 72 and beeps constantly
- App doesn't detect studs even when held over them
Show 4 moreShow fewer
- App only finds radiators, not electrical wires
- App won't load, shows only ads
- App tries to sell cryptocurrency
- App only finds metal, not wood studs
Requested features
2 requests- Specify compatible iPhone models
- Clearer cancellation process for subscriptions
In-app purchases
Magnetometer
No in-app purchases
Stud Finder
- Premium Weekly$3.997 Days
- Welcome One-Time Offer$4.991 Month
- Welcome One-Time Offer$5.991 Month
Show 3 moreShow fewer
- Premium Monthly$7.991 Month
- Premium Annual$9.991 Year
- Premium Annual$19.991 Year
Questions
Is Magnetometer free?
Is Stud Finder free?
Which has better reviews, Magnetometer or Stud Finder?
Do Magnetometer or Stud Finder have ads?
Which is updated more often, Magnetometer or Stud Finder?
Other comparisons
