Comparison

Stud Finder vs StudSearch

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

Head to head
About

Stud Finder

This tool transforms your iPhone into a stud finder using its built-in magnetometer. Detect metal fasteners behind walls for secure installations. Offers real-time feedback and calibration for accurate results on various surfaces.

Highlights
  • Real-time magnetic field detection
  • Visual strength meter with haptic/sound feedback
  • Calibration mode for accuracy
  • Works on drywall and plaster
  • Distraction-free interface
Features
Read full description

Hang it right the first time. Stud Finder turns your phone into a precise stud detector. Whether you're mounting a TV, hanging a heavy mirror, or building floating shelves, knowing exactly where the studs are means a clean, secure install — no patching mistakes, no wasted anchors, no second-guessing. HOW IT WORKS Stud Finder uses your iPhone's built-in magnetometer — the same sensor that powers the compass — to detect the metal screws and nails that fasten drywall to the studs behind it. Slowly slide your phone across the wall and watch the strength meter spike when you cross a stud. Same physics professionals rely on, now in your pocket. WHAT YOU GET • Real-time magnetic field detection • Visual strength meter with haptic and sound feedback • Calibration mode for accurate readings on any wall • Clean, distraction-free interface built for one-handed use • Works on drywall, plaster, and most interior surfaces • No ads, no clutter — just the tool you need WHY IT WORKS Modern construction uses metal fasteners every 16-24 inches to attach drywall to wood or metal studs. The magnetic signature these create is small but consistent — and your iPhone already has the sensor to read it. Stud Finder amplifies that signal and translates it into clear visual and tactile cues you can trust. FREE VS PREMIUM The free version lets you try basic detection. Premium unlocks full detection power, advanced sensitivity, and unlimited scans for serious DIY work and professional use. PERFECT FOR • DIY home renovation • Mounting TVs and heavy artwork • Installing shelves and cabinets • Childproofing furniture • Quick checks before drilling TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS • Remove your phone case for maximum sensitivity • Calibrate before each session for an accurate baseline • Move slowly and consistently across the wall • Cross-check by scanning both vertically and horizontally We built Stud Finder to be the simplest, most reliable wall scanner on the App Store. When you're standing on a ladder with a drill in your hand, you don't need a complicated app you need an answer. Privacy Policy https://appdoro.com/privacy Terms of Use (EULA) https://appdoro.com/terms

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

Stud Finder3 screens
StudSearch4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: StudSearch at none against Stud Finder's 2. StudSearch also leads on update cadence (every 9 days vs every 3 weeks). 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. Stud Finder sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. StudSearch asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Stud Finder ships an update every 3 weeks, StudSearch every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Stud Finder versus StudSearch: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterStud FinderStudSearch
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.9 (7 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings7 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 9 days — better
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS1817.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size24 MB5 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAppdoro LLCHISAHITO TSUCHIDA

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Stud Finder

Subscriptions2
  • Weekly Access$5.997 Days
  • Weekly Access With Trial3 Days trial$5.997 Days
None

StudSearch

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Stud Finder free?
Stud Finder is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is StudSearch free?
StudSearch is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Stud Finder or StudSearch have ads?
Both Stud Finder and StudSearch show ads.
Which is updated more often, Stud Finder or StudSearch?
Stud Finder ships an update every 3 weeks, and StudSearch every 9 days. Most recently, Stud Finder was updated on October 7, 2026 and StudSearch on October 19, 2026.

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