Comparison

Metal Detector. Magnetometer 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

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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.

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

Metal Detector. Magnetometer4 screens
Magnetic Sensor4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Metal Detector. Magnetometer ships an update every 3 months, Magnetic Sensor fortnightly. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
Metal Detector. Magnetometer versus Magnetic Sensor: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMetal Detector. MagnetometerMagnetic Sensor
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationAd-supported—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS17.015.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB25 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAlejandro CordonSeonggon Sim

In-app purchases

None

Metal Detector. Magnetometer

No in-app purchases

None

Magnetic Sensor

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Metal Detector. Magnetometer free?
Metal Detector. Magnetometer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Magnetic Sensor free?
Magnetic Sensor is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Metal Detector. Magnetometer or Magnetic Sensor have ads?
Both Metal Detector. Magnetometer and Magnetic Sensor show ads.
Which is updated more often, Metal Detector. Magnetometer or Magnetic Sensor?
Metal Detector. Magnetometer ships an update every 3 months, and Magnetic Sensor fortnightly. Most recently, Metal Detector. Magnetometer was updated on October 31, 2026 and Magnetic Sensor on October 31, 2026.

Other comparisons