Metal Detector. Magnetometer vs Magnetic Sensor
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Metal Detector. Magnetometer
This utility app turns your device into a magnetic field detector. It measures magnetic fields in real-time, providing detailed 3-axis data and color-coded alerts for metal detection. Useful for finding hidden objects or for educational purposes.
- Real-time magnetic field measurement
- 3-axis magnetic field breakdown
- Color-coded metal detection alerts
- Manual sensor calibration
- Geomagnetic rotation vector display
- Magnitude history tracking
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Metal Detector & Magnetometer transforms your device into a precision magnetic field detector. Measure magnetic fields in real-time with detailed 3-axis data visualization. FEATURES: • Real-time magnetic field strength measurement in microteslas (µT) • 3-axis breakdown (X, Y, Z) of calibrated magnetic field readings • Color-coded alerts: green (normal), yellow (elevated), red (metal detected) • Manual calibration to set a baseline reference value • Uncalibrated sensor data with iron bias correction • Geomagnetic rotation vector display • Magnitude history tracking • Adjustable sensor sampling rate PERFECT FOR: • Finding metal studs, pipes, and wires in walls • Detecting hidden ferromagnetic objects • Science experiments and educational use • Exploring magnetic fields in your environment IMPORTANT: This detector works with ferromagnetic materials only (iron, steel, nickel). It will not detect non-ferromagnetic materials like aluminum, gold, or copper.
Magnetic Sensor
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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
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Magnetic Sensor at fortnightly against Metal Detector. Magnetometer's every 3 months. Magnetic Sensor also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.0). 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Metal Detector. Magnetometer ships an update every 3 months, Magnetic Sensor fortnightly. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.
| Parameter | Metal Detector. Magnetometer | Magnetic Sensor |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (2 ratings) — better | — |
| Number of ratings | 2 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 15.1 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 1 MB | 25 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Alejandro Cordon | Seonggon Sim |
In-app purchases
Metal Detector. Magnetometer
No in-app purchases
Magnetic Sensor
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Metal Detector. Magnetometer free?
Is Magnetic Sensor free?
Do Metal Detector. Magnetometer or Magnetic Sensor have ads?
Which is updated more often, Metal Detector. Magnetometer or Magnetic Sensor?
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