Magnetometer X vs Magnetic Sensor
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β with what reviewers say about each.
Magnetometer X
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Transform your iPhone or iPad into a precision magnetic field and metal detector. No ads! Magnetometer X uses your device's built-in sensor to measure electromagnetic fields in real time, helping you locate ferromagnetic metal objects, find studs behind walls, and explore the magnetic world around you. THREE POWERFUL MODES Gauge Mode (FREE) A beautiful analog-style gauge displays magnetic field strength with instant visual feedback. Perfect for quick metal detection and general-purpose measurements. Wall Scanner Mode (PRO) A real-time scrolling graph helps you locate studs, steel pipes, and magnetic anomalies hidden behind drywall. Scan slowly across a wall and watch the graph spike when you pass over metalβno guesswork required. Scientific Mode (PRO) Built for students, researchers, and professionals who need deeper analysis: β’ Visualization of magnetic 3D field vectors and polarity β’ Separate X, Y, Z axis readings with total field magnitude β’ Compare calibrated anomaly vs. total field β’ Record data at 1 Hz, 10 Hz, or raw sensor rate (~100 Hz) β’ Export GPS-tagged CSV logs for field research KEY FEATURES β’ Zero Calibration β Set a baseline anywhere to detect relative changes β’ Multiple Units β Display readings in microtesla (ΞΌT), milligauss (mG), or gauss (G) β’ Audio & Haptic Feedback β Three sound styles plus tactile vibrations help you detect without looking at the screen (haptic feedback is not available on iPad) β’ Dark & Light Themes β Choose your preferred appearance PRACTICAL USES β’ Find wall studs before drilling β’ Detect steel objects in walls, floors, or ceilings β’ Identify magnetized tools β’ Educational demonstrations of magnetic fields β’ Paranormal investigation (EMF hunting) β’ Science projects and physics experiments NO SUBSCRIPTIONS Unlock PRO features with a single one-time purchase. No recurring fees, no trials that expireβjust full access forever. IMPORTANT NOTE ON METALS: Magnetometer X detects ferrous (magnetic) metals like iron, steel, and nickel. It does not detect non-ferrous metals such as copper, aluminum, silver, or gold. If a pipe or stud is not magnetic, the sensor will not react to it.
Magnetic Sensor
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Magnetic Sensor turns your phone's built-in magnetometer into three precise tools: β’ Compass β A live, tilt-compensated compass with cardinal direction (N/E/S/W) and adjustable magnetic declination so the needle points to true north, not just magnetic north. β’ Metal Detector β Set a baseline reading anywhere, choose Low/Med/High sensitivity, and feel haptic pulses that get stronger as the field deviates. Perfect for finding studs in a wall, screws under drywall, or rebar in concrete. β’ Field Logger β Record samples at up to 60 Hz, then export to CSV via the share sheet. Saved recordings stay in the app for replay or re-export. KEY FEATURES β’ Live X / Y / Z axis readings + total field magnitude β’ Tilt-compensated heading using the accelerometer β’ Magnitude history sparkline + multi-channel chart β’ Rolling statistics: mean, standard deviation, RMS, range β’ Figure-8 calibration helper with quality indicator β’ Min / Max tracking with one-tap reset β’ Three sample rates: Slow (500 ms), Normal (100 ms), Fast (16 ms) β’ Light / Dark / System theme β’ English and Korean β’ Unit options: ΞΌT, mGauss, nT β’ Adjustable smoothing β’ Magnetic declination presets β’ Haptic alerts for the detector β’ Keep-screen-awake while recording β’ CSV export with full timestamp + per-axis data PRIVACY All sensor data is processed on-device and never leaves your phone. The app does not collect location, contacts, or personal information. Anonymous mobile advertising is used to keep the app free; you can watch a rewarded ad to unlock unlimited CSV sharing for the session. WHO IT'S FOR β’ Hobbyists exploring magnetic fields β’ DIYers detecting screws, studs, and rebar β’ Students collecting data for physics or geology projects β’ Hikers wanting a reliable phone compass β’ Anyone curious about the invisible field around them REQUIREMENTS A device with a magnetometer (most phones built since ~2013). The app cannot work on devices without one β it will tell you on launch.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Magnetic Sensor at none against Magnetometer X's 1. Magnetic Sensor also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 18.0). Magnetometer X's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Magnetometer X sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Magnetic Sensor asks for nothing beyond the download.
Magnetometer X ships an update every 3 weeks, Magnetic Sensor fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Magnetometer X | Magnetic Sensor |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Fortnightly β better |
| Ads | No β better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No β better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | 15.1 β better |
| Further details β not scored | ||
| Size | 7 MB | 25 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Rok Dovecar | Seonggon Sim |
In-app purchases
Magnetometer X
- Magnetometer X PRO$4.99
Magnetic Sensor
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Magnetometer X free?
Is Magnetic Sensor free?
Do Magnetometer X or Magnetic Sensor have ads?
Which is updated more often, Magnetometer X or Magnetic Sensor?
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