Comparison

EMF Detector (Scanner) vs Magnetic Sensor

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

Head to head
About

EMF Detector (Scanner)

Features
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EMF Detector helps you visualize Electromagnetic Field (EMF) activity around you using your iPhone’s built-in magnetometer. Whether you are checking electronics, exploring your environment, or tracking unusual magnetic changes, EMF Detector provides a clear and easy-to-read real-time experience. KEY FEATURES • Real-time EMF meter with smooth, responsive updates • Live waveform and graph views for continuous monitoring • FFT view to inspect frequency components of signal changes • Signal change detection to catch sudden spikes and drops • Measurement history so you can review previous sessions • Export options (such as PDF and video capture) for sharing and reporting • Sound effects and feedback options for interactive monitoring • Clean, intuitive interface designed for quick readings USE CASES • Scan around household electronics • Compare magnetic activity in different rooms • Observe signal behavior near cables, adapters, and devices • Record and share findings for personal reference IMPORTANT NOTES • This app is for general informational and educational use. • Because this app uses your phone’s built-in sensors, readings may vary depending on your device specifications, device condition, and surrounding environment; use all measurements for reference only. Upgrade options may be available for additional features and an enhanced experience.

About

Magnetic Sensor

Features
Read full description

Magnetic Sensor turns your phone's built-in magnetometer into three precise tools: • Compass — 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. • Metal Detector — 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. • Field Logger — 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 • Live X / Y / Z axis readings + total field magnitude • Tilt-compensated heading using the accelerometer • Magnitude history sparkline + multi-channel chart • Rolling statistics: mean, standard deviation, RMS, range • Figure-8 calibration helper with quality indicator • Min / Max tracking with one-tap reset • Three sample rates: Slow (500 ms), Normal (100 ms), Fast (16 ms) • Light / Dark / System theme • English and Korean • Unit options: μT, mGauss, nT • Adjustable smoothing • Magnetic declination presets • Haptic alerts for the detector • Keep-screen-awake while recording • 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 • Hobbyists exploring magnetic fields • DIYers detecting screws, studs, and rebar • Students collecting data for physics or geology projects • Hikers wanting a reliable phone compass • 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 — it will tell you on launch.

Screenshots

EMF Detector (Scanner)4 screens
Magnetic Sensor4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Magnetic Sensor at none against EMF Detector (Scanner)'s 2. Magnetic Sensor also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.6). EMF Detector (Scanner)'s advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months). On price, ads 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. EMF Detector (Scanner) sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Magnetic Sensor asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

EMF Detector (Scanner) ships an update weekly, Magnetic Sensor every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 3 level
EMF Detector (Scanner) versus Magnetic Sensor: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterEMF Detector (Scanner)Magnetic Sensor
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 2 months
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.615.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB25 MB
Age rating+44+
DeveloperJongMin LeeSeonggon Sim

In-app purchases

2 purchases

EMF Detector (Scanner)

One-time2
  • 1 Month Premium Pass$0.99
  • 1 Year Premium Pass$2.99
None

Magnetic Sensor

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is EMF Detector (Scanner) free?
EMF Detector (Scanner) is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Magnetic Sensor free?
Magnetic Sensor is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do EMF Detector (Scanner) or Magnetic Sensor have ads?
Both EMF Detector (Scanner) and Magnetic Sensor show ads.
Which is updated more often, EMF Detector (Scanner) or Magnetic Sensor?
EMF Detector (Scanner) ships an update weekly, and Magnetic Sensor every 2 months. Most recently, EMF Detector (Scanner) was updated on September 22, 2026 and Magnetic Sensor on September 10, 2026.

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