Stud Finder vs StudSearch
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- Real-time magnetic field detection
- Visual strength meter with haptic/sound feedback
- Calibration mode for accuracy
- Works on drywall and plaster
- Distraction-free interface
Read full descriptionHide 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
StudSearch
Read full descriptionHide 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
Verdict
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
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.
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.
| Parameter | Stud Finder | StudSearch |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.9 (7 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 7 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 9 days — better |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 18 | 17.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 24 MB | 5 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Appdoro LLC | HISAHITO TSUCHIDA |
In-app purchases
Stud Finder
- Weekly Access$5.997 Days
- Weekly Access With Trial3 Days trial$5.997 Days
StudSearch
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Stud Finder free?
Is StudSearch free?
Do Stud Finder or StudSearch have ads?
Which is updated more often, Stud Finder or StudSearch?
Other comparisons















