Comparison

Magnetometer X vs StudSearch

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

Head to head
About

Magnetometer X

Features
Read full description

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 metal—no guesswork required. Scientific Mode (PRO) Built for students, researchers, and professionals who need deeper analysis: • Visualization of magnetic 3D field vectors and polarity • Separate X, Y, Z axis readings with total field magnitude • Compare calibrated anomaly vs. total field • Record data at 1 Hz, 10 Hz, or raw sensor rate (~100 Hz) • Export GPS-tagged CSV logs for field research KEY FEATURES • Zero Calibration – Set a baseline anywhere to detect relative changes • Multiple Units – Display readings in microtesla (μT), milligauss (mG), or gauss (G) • Audio & Haptic Feedback – Three sound styles plus tactile vibrations help you detect without looking at the screen (haptic feedback is not available on iPad) • Dark & Light Themes – Choose your preferred appearance PRACTICAL USES • Find wall studs before drilling • Detect steel objects in walls, floors, or ceilings • Identify magnetized tools • Educational demonstrations of magnetic fields • Paranormal investigation (EMF hunting) • Science projects and physics experiments NO SUBSCRIPTIONS Unlock PRO features with a single one-time purchase. No recurring fees, no trials that expire—just 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.

About

StudSearch

Read full description

■ Find where it's safe to drill Mounting a TV, shelf, or handrail on drywall alone is dangerous — screws can pull out. To fix things safely you need to drive screws into a stud. StudSearch uses your iPhone's magnetometer to detect the screws behind the drywall and locate the studs. ■ Works with your walls ・Wood-frame / light-gauge steel (LGS) modes — the magnetic signature differs, so detection is tuned per mode ・Stud-spacing guide: 16" / 24" on center (406/610mm), plus Japanese 303/455mm — find one stud, predict the next ・Real-time graph and readout of the magnetic response ■ Simple to use 1. Take the phone out of its case and reset the baseline 2. Sweep slowly along the wall without rotating the phone 3. When you get a hit, mark it — then trace above and below to confirm a vertical line ■ Guides and safety notes, supervised by a licensed architect Includes how-to guides for TV mounting, shelves and handrails, plus stud-finding basics, supervised by a Japanese first-class licensed architect. For safety-critical fixtures such as handrails, we recommend a final check with a mechanical (needle-type) stud finder. ※ This app estimates stud positions from magnetic response. Metal other than screws (wiring, pipes, etc.) also reacts. Always confirm by other means before drilling. See the in-app disclaimer for details.

Screenshots

Magnetometer X4 screens
StudSearch4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: StudSearch at none against Magnetometer X's 1. StudSearch also leads on update cadence (every 6 days vs every 3 weeks). Magnetometer X's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, device support and iOS requirement 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. Magnetometer X sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. StudSearch asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Magnetometer X ships an update every 3 weeks, StudSearch every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on September 11, 2026 and September 15, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 3 level
Magnetometer X versus StudSearch: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMagnetometer XStudSearch
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 6 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS18.017.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size7 MB5 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRok DovecarHISAHITO TSUCHIDA

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Magnetometer X

One-time1
  • Magnetometer X PRO$4.99
None

StudSearch

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Magnetometer X free?
Magnetometer X is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is StudSearch free?
StudSearch is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Magnetometer X or StudSearch have ads?
StudSearch shows ads; Magnetometer X does not.
Which is updated more often, Magnetometer X or StudSearch?
Magnetometer X ships an update every 3 weeks, and StudSearch every 6 days. Most recently, Magnetometer X was updated on September 11, 2026 and StudSearch on September 15, 2026.

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