# dTector vs Mini Metal Detector

dTector and Mini Metal Detector both sit at 4.1 stars, but that hides the real split: 73% of Mini Metal Detector's written reviews are positive against 33% of dTector's. Mini Metal Detector also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ratings volume (153 vs 7). dTector's advantage is update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 15 months) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, rating, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. dTector sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Mini Metal Detector asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.1 for dTector against 4.1 for Mini Metal Detector. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Mini Metal Detector has 153 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 33% of dTector's written reviews are positive against 73% of Mini Metal Detector's.

dTector ships an update every 6 weeks, Mini Metal Detector every 15 months. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | dTector | Mini Metal Detector |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.1 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dtector-metal-detector-ar/id910643165/reviews) | **[4.1 (153 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mini-metal-detector/id1114381920/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 7 | **153** |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | **72.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 15 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 8 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **17.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Immaginet Srl](https://appshunter.io/developer/545184631) | [Mert TUZER](https://appshunter.io/developer/1111162127) |

## What reviewers say

### dTector

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dtector-metal-detector-ar/id910643165)

This utility app transforms your iPhone into a magnetic field detector using its built-in magnetometer. It visualizes magnetic fields in 3D augmented reality, highlighting areas of strong magnetic flux. Useful for detecting ferromagnetic metals and understanding magnetic environments.

**Highlights:** Live magnetometer readout (µT and mG), Ferromagnetic metal detection, AR 3D field mapping, Sonar feedback (sound and haptics), Directional guidance, Session logging and PLY export, Apple Watch companion

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| dTector PRO | $4.99 | one-time |


### Mini Metal Detector

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mini-metal-detector/id1114381920)

Turn your smartphone into a functional metal detector. This app uses your device's magnetometer to identify hidden metal objects with clear visual and audio cues. It offers a user-friendly experience with helpful features like dark mode.

**Highlights:** Precise metal detection, Audio feedback, Visual indicators, Easy to use interface, Dark mode support, Battery-friendly design

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ✅ Functional metal detection capability
- 👍 Simple and effective design
- 🎯 Successfully detects metal objects
- 📱 Works as advertised for basic use
- 🔊 Audible alerts for detection

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent detection accuracy
- ❌ Fails to detect metal in some cases
- 🔊 Annoying beeping tone
- 🎯 Detects magnets instead of all metals
- ❓ Lacks user instructions

**Reported bugs**

- Does not detect metal reliably
- Detects magnets instead of general metals
- False positives on air and pillows
- Inconsistent response to metal objects
- App functionality unclear without instructions

**Requested features**

- Softer or customizable alert sounds
- Clear user instructions/tutorial
- Better documentation on functionality
- Improved metal detection sensitivity settings


## Frequently asked questions

### Is dTector free?

dTector is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Mini Metal Detector free?

Mini Metal Detector is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, dTector or Mini Metal Detector?

Mini Metal Detector is rated higher. dTector averages 4.1 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while Mini Metal Detector averages 4.1 from 153 ratings.

### Do dTector or Mini Metal Detector have ads?

Both dTector and Mini Metal Detector show ads.

### Which is updated more often, dTector or Mini Metal Detector?

dTector ships an update every 6 weeks, and Mini Metal Detector every 15 months. Most recently, dTector was updated on November 7, 2026 and Mini Metal Detector on November 2, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*