# Magnetometer vs Metal Detector

The clearest difference is price: Metal Detector at Free against Magnetometer's $0.99. Metal Detector also leads on update cadence (every 4 months vs every 34 months) and ratings volume (414 vs 13). Magnetometer's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and ads (none vs shown). On rating, review sentiment, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Metal Detector is free to download; Magnetometer costs $0.99 up front. Metal Detector sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. Magnetometer asks for nothing beyond the download.

Metal Detector holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Metal Detector has 414 ratings behind it against 13, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 86% of Magnetometer's written reviews are positive against 78% of Metal Detector's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Magnetometer ships an update every 34 months, Metal Detector every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on September 7, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Magnetometer | Metal Detector |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $0.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.4 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magnetometer/id1662997574/reviews) | **[4.6 (414 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/metal-detector-stud-finder/id6444347206/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 13 | **414** |
| Positive reviews | **85.7% of reviews** | 77.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 34 months | **Every 4 months** |
| Monetization | **Paid** | Subscription |
| Size | 2 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Bogdan Gavriluta](https://appshunter.io/developer/1584690995) | [AppLiks Sp. z O.O.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1804335622) |

## 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


### Metal Detector

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/metal-detector-stud-finder/id6444347206)

This app uses your phone's magnetic sensor to detect nearby metal objects like keys, coins, or wires within walls. It also includes a suite of useful virtual tools such as a tape measure, ruler, protractor, and level.

**Highlights:** Metal detection, Virtual tape measure, Protractor, Ruler, Level tool

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Metal Detector Premium Pack | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Access | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| Metal Detector: Pro Version | $2.99 | per month |
| Monthly Access | $2.99 | per month |
| Metal Detector PRO | $5.99 | per year |
| Yearly Access | $5.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Useful for finding lost items
- 👍 Accurate metal detection
- 👍 Easy to use
- 💡 Includes helpful bonus tools (protractor, level, tape measure, ruler)
- 👍 Works well for mapping rebar in foundations

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Difficulty cancelling subscription
- 🐛 Does not work for finding studs
- 🐛 Stops working after initial use
- 🐛 Inconsistent performance (same noise all over wall)
- 🐛 Does not detect metal (e.g., keys) even when phone is on top

**Reported bugs**

- App stops working after first day
- App makes the same noise all over the wall
- App fails to detect metal objects like keys or belt buckles

**Requested features**

- Option to cancel subscription within the app


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Magnetometer free?

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

### Is Metal Detector free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Magnetometer or Metal Detector?

Metal Detector is rated higher. Magnetometer averages 4.4 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while Metal Detector averages 4.6 from 414 ratings.

### Do Magnetometer or Metal Detector have ads?

Metal Detector shows ads; Magnetometer does not.

### Which is updated more often, Magnetometer or Metal Detector?

Magnetometer ships an update every 34 months, and Metal Detector every 4 months. Most recently, Magnetometer was updated on September 7, 2026 and Metal Detector on September 21, 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.*