# Magnetometer vs Stud Finder

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Magnetometer | Stud Finder |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $0.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.4 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magnetometer/id1662997574/reviews) | [4.4 (511 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stud-finder-metal-detector/id1667287490/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 13 | **511** |
| Positive reviews | **85.7% of reviews** | 37.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 34 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 2 MB | 24 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **13.4** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Bogdan Gavriluta](https://appshunter.io/developer/1584690995) | [Andrei Nemtsou](https://appshunter.io/developer/1612416096) |

## What reviewers say

### Magnetometer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magnetometer/id1662997574)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Stud Finder

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stud-finder-metal-detector/id1667287490)

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.

**Highlights:** Detects metal in walls, Finds nails, screws, wiring, Audible beep alert, Visual indicator, Easy to use

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Weekly | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Welcome One-Time Offer | $4.99 | per month |
| Welcome One-Time Offer | $5.99 | per month |
| Premium Monthly | $7.99 | per month |
| Premium Annual | $9.99 | per year |
| Premium Annual | $19.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Works well for some users
- 👍 Accurate for some users
- 👍 Good tools
- 👍 Very easy to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Does not work on various iPhone models
- 🐛 Frequent non-functionality
- 🐛 App is a scam
- 🐛 Unwanted charges and subscriptions
- 🐛 Full of advertisements

**Reported bugs**

- 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

**Requested features**

- Specify compatible iPhone models
- Clearer cancellation process for subscriptions


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Magnetometer free?

Magnetometer costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Stud Finder free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Magnetometer or Stud Finder?

Magnetometer and Stud Finder are both rated 4.4 out of 5 on the App Store, from 13 and 511 ratings respectively.

### Do Magnetometer or Stud Finder have ads?

Stud Finder shows ads; Magnetometer does not.

### Which is updated more often, Magnetometer or Stud Finder?

Magnetometer ships an update every 34 months, and Stud Finder every 2 months. Most recently, Magnetometer was updated on September 22, 2026 and Stud Finder on September 27, 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.*