Comparison

Attenuator vs Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder

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

Head to head
About

Attenuator

Calculate output voltage, power, and attenuation based on input values and dB of attenuation. Features NMR-specific calculations for pulses and measures local magnetic fields and barometric pressure.

Highlights
  • Calculate output voltage and power
  • Specify input voltage (Vpp or Vrms)
  • Calculate attenuation in dB
  • NMR pulse calculations
  • Measure local magnetic field
  • Display barometric pressure
Read full description

Attenuator is a utility for anyone working with radio frequency sources and needs to know power and voltage after attenuation. You can specify an input voltage (Vpp or Vrms) and dB of attenuation to get the output voltage, power and attenuation. The impedance can be specified, typically 50Ω for most systems. There is a new emphasis on NMR utility, with options for calculating pulses based on reference power and pulse length. Powers are in Watts, dBm, and dB values. Measure local magnetic field to check stray static fields from magnets. See the local barometric pressure, useful if the magnet boil-off is high

About

Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder

This app uses your device's magnetometer to detect magnetic and electromagnetic fields. It helps locate metal objects, hidden wires, pipes, and even wood studs behind walls. Get real-time readings and alerts to explore your surroundings.

Highlights
  • Detects magnetic and EMF fields
  • Locates metal objects, wires, and pipes
  • Finds hidden wood studs behind walls
  • Real-time magnetic field intensity readings (μT & mG)
  • Active detection beep alerts
  • Automatic storage of time and measurements
Features
Read full description

Turn your iPhone into a powerful Magnetic Detector and Metal Detector. Detect nearby magnetic fields, find hidden metal screws and nails, scan walls for magnetic objects, and measure EMF magnetic field activity in real time using your device's built-in magnetometer. Whether you're searching for metal fasteners behind walls, exploring magnetic sources, or measuring magnetic field strength, Magnetic Detector makes it easy to visualize changes in your surroundings. Magnetic Detector is handy for comparing readings around appliances, walls, and everyday objects. When used as a Metal Detector, it can help you spot nearby iron or steel items by showing changes in the magnetic field. FIND HIDDEN METAL OBJECTS Use your iPhone as a magnetic metal detector to help locate ferromagnetic objects such as iron and steel screws, nails, certain pipes, metal fittings, and other magnetic materials. Move your device slowly along walls or plasterboard to detect magnetic disturbances. Metal fasteners may help indicate the location of hidden wall studs. DETECT & MEASURE MAGNETIC FIELDS Transform your device into a real-time EMF magnetic field meter. Monitor magnetic field intensity with an intuitive digital gauge and observe how measurements change as you approach magnetic objects. The app displays magnetic field strength in: - μT (microtesla) - mG (milligauss) Earth's magnetic field is typically 25–65 μT. 1 μT equals 10 mG. POWERFUL DETECTION FEATURES - Real-time magnetic field and EMF magnetic field measurements. - Magnetic metal detection using your device's built-in magnetometer. - Interactive gauge displaying magnetic field intensity. - Audible warning when the magnetic field exceeds the configured threshold. - Automatic recording of measurements and timestamps. - Three-axis magnetic field readings (Bx, By, Bz). - 3D visualization of magnetic field measurements. - Room scanning to explore magnetic hotspots. - Support for microtesla and milligauss measurements. USE YOUR IPHONE AS A STUD FINDER Searching for hidden screws or nails in a wall? Magnetic Detector can help identify nearby ferromagnetic fasteners that may indicate the position of wooden studs or metal structures. IDEAL FOR DIY, EDUCATION & EXPLORATION Magnetic Detector can be useful for: - DIY enthusiasts and handymen exploring walls for magnetic fasteners. - Students conducting physics experiments and school projects. - Teachers demonstrating magnetic field behavior. - Engineers and technology enthusiasts studying magnetic measurements. - Anyone curious about magnetic activity around electronic devices, speakers, magnets, and other objects. HOW DOES IT WORK? The app uses the magnetometer integrated into your iPhone to measure nearby magnetic field strength. Ferromagnetic objects can produce or disturb local magnetic fields. As you move your device closer to these objects, the magnetic field readings may change, helping you identify potential magnetic sources. Tip: Shake your device to help recalibrate the magnetic sensor. Keep your phone away from magnetic accessories that could interfere with measurements. IMPORTANT INFORMATION Magnetic Detector is designed for personal, educational, and entertainment purposes. It is not a replacement for professional metal detectors, stud finders, electrical wire detectors, or safety equipment. Detection is primarily limited to nearby magnetic and ferromagnetic materials. The app cannot directly detect wooden studs, non-magnetic metals such as copper or aluminum, or reliably identify electrical wiring. Always verify wall conditions with appropriate professional tools before drilling. Accuracy depends on your device, distance, and magnetic interference. If you experience any issues or have suggestions, please contact us and include your device model and iOS version. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Attenuator4 screens
Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Attenuator at none against Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder's shown. Attenuator also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.6) and review sentiment (100% vs 90%). Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder's advantage is ratings volume (444 vs 8) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 7 months). On price, in-app purchases and monetization model 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

Both are free to download. Attenuator sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Attenuator holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder has 444 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of Attenuator's written reviews are positive against 90% of Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Attenuator ships an update every 7 months, Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
Attenuator versus Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAttenuatorMagnetic Detector, Stud Finder
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (8 ratings) — better4.6 (444 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better90.3% of reviews
Number of ratings8444 — better
Update frequencyEvery 7 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS17.615.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB30 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTim E. BurrowJose Bello

Customer experience

Attenuator

All ratings8 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews10 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder

All ratings444 ratings
Positive91.9%
Neutral2.5%
Negative5.6%
Written reviews359 reviews
Positive90.3%
Neutral3.6%
Negative6.1%

Bugs and requests

Attenuator

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Readings sometimes inconsistent or stop at certain thresholds
  • Compatibility issues with some devices

Requested features

3 requests
  • Add support for measuring electric fields
  • Improve accuracy and sensitivity
  • Provide more detailed readings and analysis

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Attenuator

One-time1
  • Remove all ads$1.99
4 purchases

Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder

Subscriptions1
  • Weekly Full Access$4.997 Days
One-time3
  • Remove Ads - Magnetic Detector$2.99
  • Unlock all - Premium & Warning Beep$4.99
  • Lifetime Full Access$12.99

Questions

Is Attenuator free?
Attenuator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder free?
Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Attenuator or Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder?
Attenuator is rated higher. Attenuator averages 5.0 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder averages 4.6 from 444 ratings.
Do Attenuator or Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder have ads?
Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder shows ads; Attenuator does not.
Which is updated more often, Attenuator or Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder?
Attenuator ships an update every 7 months, and Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder every 2 months. Most recently, Attenuator was updated on November 1, 2026 and Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder on November 6, 2026.

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