Comparison

geoTools 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

geoTools

This app provides tools for geological, geophysical, engineering, and geographic work. It helps estimate geophysical quantities like Bouguer anomaly and magnetic declination, and offers a quick coordinate converter. It's designed for professionals and enthusiasts interested in Earth Sciences.

Highlights
  • Estimate geophysical quantities
  • Calculate Bouguer anomaly
  • Estimate magnetic declination
  • Quick coordinate converter
  • Geographic to UTM conversion
  • UTM to geographic conversion
  • Uses IGRF geomagnetic model
Features
Read full description

geoTools is a set of tools to use in geologic, geophysical, engineering and geographic work. It includes the estimation of important geophysical quantities, such as Bouguer anomaly, topography, magnetic declination, and so on, and a quick coordinate converter. The ideal companion for a geologist, a geophysicist, an engineer, a geographer, and to any person interested in the Earth Sciences. The easiest and more effective way to calculate the parameters associated to the Earth's gravity field and magnetic field. Convert coordinates from geographic to Universal Transverse Mercator and vice-versa with one touch, using different reference systems. Since 2018 the app uses the new IGRF geomagnetic model to estimate the magnetic parameters. All the tests we've made show very good results. PLEASE NOTICE: geoTools is free, no ads, no purchases, absolutely free! If you use it, please let a review to help us keep upgrading the app. It is simple, fast, and very important to us!

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

geoTools4 screens
Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: geoTools at none against Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder's 4. geoTools also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (5.0 vs 4.6). Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 29 months) and ratings volume (444 vs 3). On price 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. Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. geoTools asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

geoTools 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 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of geoTools's written reviews are positive against 90% of Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

geoTools ships an update every 29 months, Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard9 real differences · 1 level
geoTools versus Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParametergeoToolsMagnetic Detector, Stud Finder
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (3 ratings) — better4.6 (444 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better90.3% of reviews
Number of ratings3444 — better
Update frequencyEvery 29 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS8.1 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size17 MB30 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAndre MolinaJose Bello

Customer experience

geoTools

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 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

geoTools

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

None

geoTools

No in-app purchases

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 geoTools free?
geoTools is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder free?
Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, geoTools or Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder?
geoTools is rated higher. geoTools averages 5.0 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder averages 4.6 from 444 ratings.
Do geoTools or Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder have ads?
Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder shows ads; geoTools does not.
Which is updated more often, geoTools or Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder?
geoTools ships an update every 29 months, and Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder every 2 months. Most recently, geoTools was updated on November 1, 2026 and Magnetic Detector, Stud Finder on November 3, 2026.

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