# Metal Detector vs PxReader

The clearest difference is ads: PxReader at none against Metal Detector's shown. PxReader also leads on device support (3 vs 1). Metal Detector's advantage is iOS requirement (18.0 vs 26.0). On price, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Metal Detector sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days and PxReader sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Metal Detector ships an update every 7 months, PxReader every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Metal Detector | PxReader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (414 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/metal-detector-stud-finder/id6444347206/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **414** | — |
| Positive reviews | 77.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | **Every 4 months** |
| Monetization | Subscription | — |
| Size | 15 MB | 2 MB |
| Requires iOS | **18.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [AppLiks Sp. z O.O.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1804335622) | [Flavio Lorenzo Thomi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1708660510) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### PxReader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pxreader-pc-axis-viewer/id6751784084)

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PRO | $0.99 | per month |
| PRO | $4.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Metal Detector free?

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

### Is PxReader free?

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

### Do Metal Detector or PxReader have ads?

Metal Detector shows ads; PxReader does not.

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

Metal Detector ships an update every 7 months, and PxReader every 4 months. Most recently, Metal Detector was updated on October 18, 2026 and PxReader on September 19, 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.*