Comparison

DetectBuddy vs Digly

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

Head to head
About

DetectBuddy

Features
Read full description

Take DetectBuddy into the field with your metal detector. Record GPS routes, save finds with photos and locations, and build a private personal finds museum. No account required. Your finds, routes, notes, photos, videos, and detecting locations stay on your device — not in a DetectBuddy cloud database. We do not store or access your detecting records. Built for detectorists, DetectBuddy helps you capture coins, relics, and artefacts in context, organise your collection, plan future searches, and relive every detecting adventure. RECORD YOUR METAL DETECTING ROUTES Use GPS route recording to preserve where you searched and connect individual finds with the wider story of the day. Reliable recovery helps protect active recordings after interruptions or app restarts. SAVE EVERY FIND IN CONTEXT Add photos, videos, notes, locations, dates, measurements, identification details, and field observations so each find retains the story of where and how it was discovered. PRIVATE BY DESIGN Your detecting history belongs to you. • No online account or login required • No DetectBuddy server storage for your finds or locations • No ads or cross-app tracking • Optional App Lock with Face ID or PIN protection BUILD YOUR PERSONAL FINDS MUSEUM Browse your finds in a polished gallery and turn individual objects into a collection that feels curated, not merely recorded. CREATE MUSEUM-STYLE DISPLAY CARDS Present finds and collections with elegant layouts, themed cards, and QR codes for sharing, display, or reference. ORGANISE COLLECTIONS YOUR WAY Group finds by trip, permission, rally, location, object type, historical period, theme, or personal meaning. Build a catalogue around the way you detect and collect. PLAN FUTURE DIGS AND RALLIES Prepare for permissions, detecting sessions, group digs, and rallies with planning tools for places, search areas, notes, and upcoming trips. MAP FINDS AND JOURNEYS Save the location of individual finds, view them on the map, and retain the geographical context connecting each object to the wider detecting day. IMPORT, EXPORT, AND STAY IN CONTROL Import and export supported route and collection data, including GPX routes, so your detecting history remains portable, flexible, and yours to manage. RELIVE THE ADVENTURE Return to completed trips and revisit how your route, finds, photos, locations, and memories came together across the day. DETECTBUDDY PRO DetectBuddy is free to use. DetectBuddy Pro is an optional auto-renewable subscription that unlocks premium collection and presentation features, including enhanced display tools, curated exhibitions, premium card themes, and richer media options. Subscription plans, billing periods, and prices are shown in the app before purchase and may vary by country or region. Payment is charged to your Apple ID account through the App Store when you confirm the purchase. Subscriptions renew automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current subscription period. You can manage or cancel your subscription in your Apple ID App Store subscription settings. Always follow local laws, obtain permission where required, and record or report finds responsibly. Terms of Use: https://detectbuddy.com/terms_of_use.html Privacy Policy: https://detectbuddy.com/privacy_policy.html

About

Digly

This app helps metal detectorists log and map their discoveries. Record GPS coordinates, depth, and photos of each find, and track your search routes on a map. It offers customizable categories, weather data, and export options for your findings.

Highlights
  • Log finds with GPS, depth, and photos
  • Track search routes on a map
  • Customizable find categories
  • View weather data
  • Export data as PDF or CSV
  • Real-time group searching (Pro)
Features
Read full description

Digly is a simple and reliable metal detecting companion for logging and tracking your finds in the field. Keep track of exactly where you made your discoveries. With Digly, you can pin every find with GPS, record depth and photos, and see your entire detecting route on a map. FEATURES: - LOG FINDS: Save exact GPS coordinates, depth, category, photos, and notes. - ROUTE LOGGING: Track your movement during a session to see exactly where you have searched. - VDI / TARGET ID: Get instant guidance on what a signal might be, tailored to your detector. - CATEGORIES: Fully customisable — create your own, and choose which ones are visible or hidden. - MAP OPTIONS: View your finds and routes on standard or topographic map layers. - WEATHER DATA: Automatically show weather conditions for your location. - EXPORT DATA: Create PDF reports or export your data as CSV and ZIP backups. - PRIVACY: No accounts, no tracking. Your data stays on your device — or sync privately via iCloud (Pro). DIGLY PRO: - GROUP DIG: Search together in real time with up to 10 participants. Share locations, log finds, and coordinate your search — live. - ICLOUD SYNC: Your finds, photos, and sessions backed up and synced across all your devices. - DETECTING CONDITIONS: Soil conductivity, radar chart, and estimated detection depth based on your coil size. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

DetectBuddy4 screens
Digly4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Digly at every 2 weeks against DetectBuddy's monthly. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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. DetectBuddy sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Digly sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

DetectBuddy ships an update monthly, Digly every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
DetectBuddy versus Digly: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDetectBuddyDigly
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.2 (6 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—83.3% of reviews
Number of ratings—6 — better
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Freemium
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS17.617.6
Further details — not scored
Size61 MB15 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGabor GyarmatiMETTE HAUGEN

In-app purchases

2 purchases

DetectBuddy

Subscriptions2
  • DetectBuddy PRO Monthly$2.991 Month
  • DetectBuddy PRO Annual$29.991 Year
2 purchases

Digly

Subscriptions2
  • Digly Pro Monthly$2.991 Month
  • Digly Pro Yearly$19.991 Year

Questions

Is DetectBuddy free?
DetectBuddy is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Digly free?
Digly is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do DetectBuddy or Digly have ads?
Neither DetectBuddy nor Digly shows ads.
Which is updated more often, DetectBuddy or Digly?
DetectBuddy ships an update monthly, and Digly every 2 weeks. Most recently, DetectBuddy was updated on September 21, 2026 and Digly on October 10, 2026.

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