Comparison

Magnetic Sensor vs Magnetometer...

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

Head to head
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.

About

Magnetometer...

Features
Read full description

Turn your phone into a real-time magnetometer and magnetic field measurement tool. FREE TO USE. NO ACCOUNT REQUIRED. ALL YOUR DATA IS STORED LOCALLY ON YOUR DEVICE. Magnetometer uses your device’s built-in magnetic sensor to measure magnetic field strength in µT. View X, Y and Z axis readings, track changes, record measurements, review history, and export your data as CSV. REAL-TIME MAGNETOMETER • Real-time magnetic field strength in µT • Individual X, Y and Z axis readings • Total magnetic field strength • Absolute and relative measurement modes • Custom baseline for measuring relative changes • Calibration guidance to help improve sensor accuracy MAGNETIC FIELD ALERTS Set a custom threshold and receive optional sound and vibration alerts when magnetic field strength exceeds your selected level. RECORDING & HISTORY Record magnetic field measurements over time and review saved sessions later. • Live recording and timeline • Current, minimum, maximum and average readings • X, Y and Z measurement data • Recording timestamps and duration • Detailed graphs and statistics • Measurement mode and sample information • Rename or delete recordings • Refresh or clear measurement history CSV EXPORT Export recorded magnetic field data as CSV for spreadsheets, analysis, experiments or other projects. CUSTOMIZATION & EXTRAS • 4 visual styles: Dark Green, Light Green, Neon and Warm • Support for 77+ languages • Offline mode available with subscription • Ad-free experience available with subscription • Built-in feedback and suggestions USE MAGNETOMETER FOR Explore magnetic fields, compare field strength between objects or locations, detect magnetic changes, test your phone’s magnetic sensor, run experiments and demonstrations, or record measurements for later analysis. Magnetic field readings depend on your device’s built-in magnetometer and calibration. Nearby magnets, metal objects and electronics may affect measurements. This app is intended for general measurement, experimentation and educational use and is not a replacement for calibrated professional equipment. LICENSED APPLICATION END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Magnetic Sensor4 screens
Magnetometer...4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Magnetic Sensor at none against Magnetometer...'s 2. Magnetic Sensor also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). On price, ads, 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... sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Magnetic Sensor asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Magnetic Sensor ships an update fortnightly, Magnetometer... every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 8, 2026 and November 13, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 4 level
Magnetic Sensor versus Magnetometer...: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMagnetic SensorMagnetometer...
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterEvery 2 months
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS15.115.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size25 MB86 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSeonggon SimOlga Ivanova

In-app purchases

None

Magnetic Sensor

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Magnetometer...

Subscriptions1
  • magnetometer_by_oliva_subscription$1.991 Month
One-time1
  • magnetometer_by_oliva_donation$1.99

Questions

Is Magnetic Sensor free?
Magnetic Sensor is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Magnetometer... free?
Magnetometer... is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Magnetic Sensor or Magnetometer... have ads?
Both Magnetic Sensor and Magnetometer... show ads.
Which is updated more often, Magnetic Sensor or Magnetometer...?
Magnetic Sensor ships an update fortnightly, and Magnetometer... every 2 months. Most recently, Magnetic Sensor was updated on November 8, 2026 and Magnetometer... on November 13, 2026.

Other comparisons